The Cajasol Foundation in Seville hosted a forum to discuss the consequences of digitalization on mental health. Four experts concurred that the omnipresence of screens and the constant flow of information are altering attention spans, rest, and concentration abilities, impacting adults, children, and adolescents alike.
Clinical psychologist Cristina Muñoz Morano highlighted the effects on the nervous system, emotions, and cognition, citing cases of young people consuming up to 8 hours of phone usage daily. Dr. Raquel Baeza focused on childhood, describing overstimulated children struggling with boredom and everyday problems, alongside post-pandemic socialization deficits. Adaptive Intelligence expert Leandro Fernández Macho presented data on rising international work-related stress and technological acceleration, comparing how technologies like ChatGPT reach millions of users in days versus years for older innovations.
The UNICEF Barometer 2023-2024 report was highlighted, indicating that 41% of adolescents have experienced mental health issues, with a significant percentage not having disclosed it. The panel also addressed the erosion of critical thinking and increased vulnerability to manipulation due to the difficulty in distinguishing between reality and fiction in digital content.
The second session examined social media's influence on self-esteem, constant comparison with unrealistic ideals, and the promotion of eating disorders. The implementation of a 'mobile phone box' during family meals was proposed to foster direct communication. Furthermore, the early exposure of minors to pornography and its impact on affective relationships and body image were discussed.
In the professional sphere, it was noted that younger generations struggle with uncomfortable conversations and face-to-face conflict resolution, preferring avoidance. Digital family education was another key point, with parents feeling overwhelmed. The use of artificial intelligence as a substitute for emotional support was also mentioned. Finally, the figure of 3,953 suicides in Spain in 2024 was recalled, emphasizing the urgent need to discuss mental health and question life models that promote continuous exhaustion.
Proposed solutions included simple gestures like walking without a phone, keeping it out of the bedroom, using traditional alarm clocks, and disabling notifications. It was recommended to review mobile phone usage time, curate followed accounts, and prioritize content that enhances well-being, concluding that the issue lies in the absence of boundaries, not technology itself.
