Slovak Youth Aware of Social Media Dangers, Open to Regulation, Survey Finds

A recent qualitative survey conducted by Focus agency and the IPčko civic association reveals a nuanced perspective among Slovak youth regarding social media. Contrary to fears of unchecked digital immersion, young people aged 13-16 demonstrate a clear awareness of the pitfalls inherent in platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. They primarily utilize these spaces to fulfill fundamental social needs: communication, group affiliation, and maintaining peer connections. The survey, which involved focus groups across four Slovak cities, highlights that while youth recognize the addictive nature and potential negative impacts—such as anxiety, frustration, and distorted self-perception through comparison—they also feel capable of navigating these spaces safely.

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The results did not surprise us, as we come into contact with hundreds of young people daily and hear similar opinions from them.

This awareness, however, does not translate into outright opposition to regulation. The findings suggest a pragmatic acceptance of rules, with a strong emphasis placed on the primary responsibility lying with parents and social media platform operators, rather than solely the state. This perspective is particularly interesting from a Slovak viewpoint, where family structures and community ties often play a significant role in shaping individual behavior. While Western discourse might lean towards governmental oversight, the Slovak youth's emphasis on parental guidance reflects a cultural value placed on the family unit's role in child-rearing and digital literacy.

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Social media helps them fulfill their social needs. They need it to stay in contact and not feel left out on the sidelines. At the same time, they are aware of the risks and negative impact of these platforms. However, they think they are old enough to navigate them safely.

Interestingly, the survey also touched upon the idea of age limits, a concept many young respondents found reasonable, though they were divided on specific age cutoffs and admitted they would likely attempt to circumvent such restrictions. This highlights a common tension: the desire for structure versus the assertion of independence. The findings underscore that social media is a double-edged sword for young Slovaks, capable of both enhancing mood and causing distress, particularly with prolonged use. The challenge, as highlighted by IPčko director Marek Madro, lies in the fact that even adults often underestimate the profound influence these platforms wield and struggle with protecting their own mental health online.

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And this is where we come to a certain distortion. Many of us – including adults – don't really know how deeply these platforms affect us and how to protect our mental health.