We’re excited to share key findings from the Erasmediah project, focusing on the hyperconnectivity of young people on social media. This multi‑country research sheds light on the complex risks and promising strategies to support healthier digital lives.
What we did:
- Conducted a three‑level research effort on young people (aged 11–18), exploring their social media use, over‑exposure, and connection to online risks.
- Produced 6 national reports (Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Spain, Turkey) to capture local contexts, challenges, and possible solutions.
- Designed and deployed questionnaires with various stakeholders, analyzed by project partners.
Among the key risks identified, Internet Addiction Disorder and the negative psychological effects associated with excessive online use stand out as major concerns. Young people also face challenges related to online gaming, gambling, and social gaming, which can impact their well-being and daily life.
In addition, many are vulnerable to online grooming, cyberbullying, hate speech, and body‑shaming, all of which can have serious emotional and social consequences. Exposure to hoax “challenges” and dangerous viral content adds another layer of risk, encouraging unsafe behavior or harmful trends. Finally, the prevalence of fake news, phishing, and other general online safety threats highlights the need for critical thinking and digital literacy skills to navigate the internet safely.
How we’re responding:
We’ve developed a training course aimed at youth workers, educators, and facilitators (working with 11–18 year olds) that includes 7 digital modules, covering:
Effects of social media over‑exposure & Internet Addiction Disorder
Online gaming, gambling & dependence
Online grooming
TikTok over‑exposure
Dangerous “challenges” and hoaxes
Cyberbullying, hate speech & body‑shaming
Fake news, phishing, and online safety
This research equips youth workers with the tools they need to help young people build a healthier and more balanced relationship with digital media. By improving awareness, fostering self-regulation, and promoting safe behaviors, we can reduce the risks tied to hyperconnectivity.