https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/2025/05/how-s-life-for-children-in-the-digital-age_c4a22655.html

Introduction

Digital technology has become an important part of everyday life, particularly for young people. Over the past few decades, the rapid development of smartphones, social media, artificial intelligence, online learning platforms, streaming services, digital entertainment, and other forms of technology has changed the way young people communicate, study, work, shop, and spend their free time. For many young people, digital technology is no longer something separate from daily life. Instead, it has become integrated into education, relationships, entertainment, personal expression, and future career development.

The term “digital trends” refers to new and changing patterns in the use of digital technologies and online platforms. These trends include the increasing use of social media applications, short-form video platforms, artificial intelligence tools, online education, digital payment systems, gaming, content creation, and virtual communities. Digital trends develop rapidly, and young people are often among the earliest groups to adopt new technologies. As a result, they experience both the opportunities and challenges created by the digital environment.

The influence of digital trends on young people is complex. On one hand, technology can provide significant benefits. Young people can access information almost instantly, communicate with people from different countries, develop new skills, participate in online communities, and discover educational and employment opportunities. Digital platforms can also provide spaces for creativity and self-expression. A young person with access to a smartphone and the internet can create videos, write articles, learn a foreign language, study programming, or start a small online business.

On the other hand, excessive or unhealthy use of digital technology can create problems. Young people may experience distraction, reduced concentration, sleep difficulties, cyberbullying, online harassment, privacy concerns, misinformation, and pressure to present a perfect image of themselves online. Social media can also influence the way young people understand beauty, success, relationships, and social status. Furthermore, the rapid development of artificial intelligence creates new questions about education, employment, originality, and the skills young people need for the future.

Therefore, digital trends should not simply be viewed as either positive or negative. Their effects depend on how technologies are designed and used, how much time young people spend online, what type of content they encounter, and whether they have the knowledge and support necessary to use digital tools responsibly. This article examines how digital trends affect young people’s education, communication, mental and physical well-being, social relationships, entertainment, creativity, employment, financial behaviour, privacy, and future development.

1. The Growth of Digital Technology Among Young People

The growth of digital technology has transformed the environment in which young people grow up. Previous generations depended heavily on newspapers, television, books, libraries, and face-to-face communication. Today, young people can access many of these activities through a single smartphone. A smartphone can function as a telephone, camera, television, library, classroom, music player, gaming device, map, banking tool, and social platform.

The widespread availability of mobile internet has made digital technology particularly influential. Young people can remain connected to online services throughout the day. They can communicate with friends through messaging applications, watch videos while travelling, search for information during homework, and follow international news without having to wait for traditional media.

Social media is one of the most visible examples of this transformation. Platforms allow young people to create profiles, share photographs and videos, follow public figures, participate in discussions, and communicate with friends. Social media has also created new forms of social interaction. Instead of meeting only in physical spaces, young people can participate in communities based on interests such as music, sports, gaming, education, fashion, art, or technology.

Another important trend is the increasing use of artificial intelligence. AI-powered applications can help students generate ideas, translate text, summarise information, practise languages, create images, and receive explanations of difficult topics. AI is also increasingly present in workplaces and creative industries. This means that young people are entering adulthood at a time when digital literacy and the ability to work alongside technology are becoming increasingly important.

The rapid pace of technological change means that young people must continuously adapt. A skill that is useful today may be less important in the future, while new skills may become necessary. Consequently, young people need not only technical skills but also critical thinking, creativity, communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to evaluate information.

2. Digital Trends and Education

One of the most significant effects of digital trends on young people is the transformation of education. Digital technology has made learning more flexible and accessible. Students no longer have to depend entirely on physical textbooks or classroom lectures. They can use websites, educational videos, online courses, digital libraries, podcasts, interactive applications, and other resources to support their learning.

Online learning became especially important during periods when schools and universities could not operate normally. The experience demonstrated that digital tools could allow education to continue even when students and teachers were physically separated. Although online education cannot completely replace every aspect of face-to-face learning, it provides additional opportunities for students who need flexible learning arrangements.

Digital platforms can also make learning more personalised. Students have different learning styles and levels of understanding. A student who does not understand a topic during a classroom lesson can watch another explanation online or practise using interactive exercises. Some applications can provide immediate feedback, allowing students to identify mistakes and improve their understanding.

Another advantage is access to international knowledge. A young person living in a small town can potentially access lectures, educational materials, and courses produced by institutions and educators from around the world. This reduces some traditional geographical limitations in education.

However, digital learning also presents challenges. The large amount of information available online does not automatically mean that all information is accurate. Students may encounter unreliable websites, misleading videos, fabricated information, or biased content. Therefore, digital literacy is essential. Students need to learn how to identify reliable sources, compare information, recognise misleading claims, and distinguish evidence from opinion.

Another challenge is distraction. A student may open a device to complete an assignment but become distracted by social media notifications, online games, entertainment videos, or messages. Digital multitasking can make it more difficult to concentrate on demanding academic tasks.

Artificial intelligence introduces another important issue. AI tools can support learning when students use them to understand concepts, generate questions, receive feedback, or improve their writing. However, using AI to complete assignments without understanding the material can reduce learning opportunities and raise concerns about academic integrity. The challenge for educational institutions is therefore to teach students how to use AI responsibly rather than simply treating AI as either completely beneficial or completely harmful.

3. Digital Communication and Relationships

Digital trends have dramatically changed how young people communicate. Text messaging, video calls, social media, and online communities allow people to remain connected even when they live far apart. Young people can communicate with family members, classmates, and friends at almost any time.

For many young people, digital communication is an ordinary part of maintaining relationships. Group chats can be used to organise activities, discuss schoolwork, share jokes, or provide emotional support. Video calls can help families remain connected when members live in different cities or countries.

Digital communication can also help young people meet people who share their interests. Someone who feels isolated in their local community may find an online group where members have similar hobbies or experiences. Online communities can therefore provide a sense of belonging.

However, digital communication is different from face-to-face interaction. Online messages do not always communicate tone, facial expressions, or body language effectively. As a result, misunderstandings can occur. A short message may appear rude even when the sender did not intend to be rude.

Social media can also change people’s expectations about relationships. Young people may feel pressure to respond quickly to messages, maintain online interactions, or show their friendships publicly. The number of likes, comments, followers, or views can sometimes become associated with social acceptance.

Another issue is the possibility of online conflict. Arguments that might have ended quickly in person can become larger when messages are shared publicly or screenshots are circulated. Cyberbullying can also have serious effects because harmful content can potentially reach a large audience and remain accessible for a long time.

Healthy digital communication therefore requires boundaries. Young people need to understand that being constantly connected does not mean they must always be available. Learning when to put away a device, communicate directly, and resolve disagreements privately can help maintain healthier relationships.

4. Social Media and Self-Identity

Social media has become an important space where young people explore and express their identities. Users can choose photographs, descriptions, videos, interests, and opinions that represent how they want others to see them. This can provide opportunities for creativity and self-expression.

For example, a young person interested in photography can share their work online. Someone interested in music can publish performances. A student passionate about environmental issues can share educational content. In this way, social media can allow young people to develop a public identity around their interests and abilities.

However, the ability to construct an online identity can also create pressure. Social media often presents carefully selected moments rather than the complete reality of someone’s life. Users may share holidays, achievements, attractive photographs, celebrations, or successful experiences while not showing ordinary difficulties.

When young people compare their everyday lives with highly edited online content, they may develop unrealistic expectations. They may believe that other people are more attractive, successful, wealthy, popular, or happy than they really are.

Algorithms can intensify this process. Digital platforms often recommend content based on users’ previous behaviour. When someone repeatedly watches particular types of videos, the platform may show similar content. Over time, users may spend considerable amounts of time within a particular digital environment.

This can influence how young people understand social norms. For example, repeated exposure to particular beauty standards may influence perceptions of appearance. Similarly, repeated exposure to luxury lifestyles may influence ideas about financial success.

Young people therefore need opportunities to develop a strong sense of identity that is not entirely dependent on online approval. Family relationships, friendships, education, hobbies, community activities, and personal achievements can provide alternative sources of confidence and belonging.

5. Digital Trends and Mental Well-Being

The relationship between digital technology and mental well-being is complicated. Digital technology itself does not affect every young person in the same way. The impact can depend on the type of activity, the amount of use, the individual’s circumstances, and the quality of their online experiences.

Digital platforms can provide positive forms of support. Young people can find communities where they feel understood and can access information about topics they may be uncomfortable discussing in person. Online communication can also reduce feelings of isolation when physical contact is difficult.

At the same time, excessive or problematic digital use can interfere with daily routines. Spending large amounts of time online may reduce the time available for sleep, exercise, studying, family interaction, and outdoor activities.

Social comparison is another concern. Young people may repeatedly compare their appearance, relationships, achievements, or lifestyles with others. When online content is highly curated, these comparisons may be unrealistic.

Cyberbullying is particularly important because it can occur outside school hours and follow a person into their home through digital devices. Hurtful messages, rumours, embarrassing photographs, or threatening comments can spread quickly. Young people who experience online harassment may need support from parents, teachers, counsellors, or other trusted adults.

It is important not to assume that every young person’s online activity has the same psychological effect. Digital technology can be both a source of stress and a source of support. The key issue is often the quality and context of use.

Developing digital well-being therefore involves learning how to manage screen time, control notifications, take breaks, recognise unhealthy online behaviour, and seek support when digital experiences become harmful.

6. Physical Health and Lifestyle

Digital trends also influence young people’s physical lifestyles. Many forms of digital entertainment encourage users to remain seated for long periods. Watching videos, scrolling through social media, studying online, and playing games can all involve extended screen use.

If digital activities replace physical activities, young people may become less active. A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to health problems over time. Therefore, maintaining a balance between screen-based activities and physical activity is important.

Sleep is another area affected by digital habits. Young people may stay awake late at night using social media, watching videos, playing games, or communicating with friends. Notifications can also interrupt sleep.

A healthy routine requires young people to recognise the importance of rest. Setting boundaries around device use before bedtime can help create a clearer separation between online activities and sleep.

Digital technology can also support physical health when used appropriately. Fitness applications, exercise videos, wearable devices, and online sports communities can encourage physical activity. Young people can follow exercise programmes, track activities, or learn about healthy lifestyle practices through digital resources.

Therefore, technology is not inherently sedentary. Its effect depends on how it is used. Digital tools can encourage either passive consumption or active participation.

7. Digital Entertainment and Leisure

Entertainment has changed significantly because of digital technology. Young people can access music, films, television programmes, short videos, games, podcasts, and other forms of entertainment through digital devices.

Streaming services have changed the way people consume media. Instead of waiting for a programme to be broadcast at a specific time, users can often choose what they want to watch and when they want to watch it. Short-form video platforms have also introduced highly accessible forms of entertainment that can be consumed in short periods.

Gaming is another major component of digital culture. Online games can provide entertainment and social interaction. Multiplayer games allow players to cooperate or compete with people in different locations. Some games require communication, strategic thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.

However, entertainment can become problematic when it interferes with other responsibilities. Young people may spend longer than intended watching videos or playing games because digital platforms are designed to encourage continued engagement.

The concept of “just one more video” illustrates how easily entertainment can extend beyond the original intention. Recommendations, autoplay features, notifications, and personalised feeds can make it difficult for users to stop.

Digital entertainment should therefore be treated as one part of a balanced lifestyle. Leisure is important, but it should coexist with education, sleep, exercise, family interaction, and other responsibilities.

8. Social Media and Creativity

One of the positive effects of digital trends is the expansion of opportunities for creativity. In the past, producing and distributing creative work often required expensive equipment, professional connections, or access to traditional media organisations. Today, smartphones and affordable software allow many young people to create content independently.

Young people can produce photography, music, videos, digital artwork, writing, animation, and other forms of creative work. Social platforms can provide audiences for this content.

This can help young people develop practical skills. Creating a video, for example, may require planning, writing, filming, editing, sound design, graphic design, and communication. These skills can be useful beyond social media.

Content creation can also lead to entrepreneurial opportunities. Some young people build audiences around particular interests and may eventually earn income through advertising, sponsorships, subscriptions, products, or services.

However, the creator economy can also create pressure. Content creators may feel that they must constantly produce new material to maintain attention. The unpredictability of online audiences can also make income unstable.

Young people should therefore understand both the creative opportunities and the limitations of digital platforms. Building skills that remain useful across different platforms is more sustainable than depending entirely on one social media trend.

9. Digital Trends and Career Opportunities

The digital economy has created new career possibilities for young people. Jobs related to software development, digital marketing, cybersecurity, data analysis, artificial intelligence, graphic design, content creation, e-commerce, and social media management have become increasingly visible.

Young people can also use the internet to develop professional networks. Professional platforms, online portfolios, virtual conferences, and digital communities allow students and graduates to demonstrate their skills to potential employers.

Online courses can help young people learn skills outside traditional educational programmes. Someone studying business, for example, can independently learn graphic design or basic programming. Someone studying computer science can build projects and publish them online as evidence of practical ability.

Remote and hybrid work have also changed expectations about where work can take place. Some jobs can be performed from home or from locations far away from an employer’s physical office.

However, digital transformation may also create uncertainty. Automation and artificial intelligence can change the tasks performed in many occupations. Some jobs may decline while new roles emerge. Young people therefore need to develop transferable skills rather than preparing only for one specific job.

Communication, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, adaptability, and continuous learning are likely to remain important because they help individuals respond to changing technologies.

10. Artificial Intelligence and Young People

Artificial intelligence is one of the most important recent digital trends affecting young people. AI systems can process information, generate text and images, translate languages, provide explanations, analyse data, and support many other tasks.

For students, AI can function as a learning assistant. A student can ask for a difficult concept to be explained in simpler language or request examples to practise. AI can also help students brainstorm ideas or identify weaknesses in their writing.

However, AI-generated information is not automatically accurate. AI systems can produce incorrect or misleading answers. Young people therefore need to verify important information rather than accepting AI-generated responses without question.

AI also raises questions about academic honesty. If a student submits AI-generated work as their own without following institutional rules, the technology may interfere with the purpose of education. Education is not only about producing an answer; it is also about developing knowledge and skills.

The development of AI means that digital literacy must expand. Young people need to understand not only how to use AI tools but also how to evaluate their limitations. They should learn when AI is appropriate, when human judgment is necessary, and how to protect personal information when using digital systems.

AI may also change employment. Some repetitive tasks can increasingly be automated. At the same time, new occupations and responsibilities may develop around AI systems. Young people therefore need to prepare for workplaces where humans and AI technologies work together.

11. Misinformation and Digital Literacy

The internet provides enormous amounts of information, but not all online information is reliable. Young people may encounter inaccurate news, manipulated photographs, misleading videos, false statistics, fabricated stories, and deceptive advertisements.

Social media algorithms can make this problem more complicated because content may spread quickly when it receives high levels of engagement. Popular content is not necessarily accurate content.

Young people therefore need strong digital literacy skills. Digital literacy means more than knowing how to operate a smartphone or computer. It includes the ability to evaluate information, understand online risks, recognise manipulation, protect personal data, and communicate responsibly.

When encountering an important claim online, young people can ask several questions: Who created the information? What evidence is provided? Is the source trustworthy? Can the claim be confirmed by other reliable sources? Is the content trying to inform, entertain, persuade, or sell something?

These habits can reduce the risk of being misled.

Digital literacy is particularly important because misinformation can influence real-world decisions. Young people who learn to evaluate information carefully are better prepared to participate responsibly in society.

12. Privacy and Personal Data

Privacy has become another major issue in the digital lives of young people. Many digital services collect information about users, including their preferences, interactions, locations, browsing behaviour, and device information.

Young people may share personal information without fully understanding how it can be used. Photographs, comments, usernames, school information, and location data can potentially create privacy risks.

The permanence of online content is also important. A post that seems harmless when someone is young may later become embarrassing or problematic. Even when content is deleted, copies or screenshots may remain.

Young people should therefore learn basic privacy practices. These include using strong passwords, enabling additional security measures when available, checking privacy settings, avoiding unnecessary sharing of personal information, and thinking carefully before posting.

Privacy education should not be limited to schools. Parents, teachers, technology companies, and governments all have roles in helping young people understand digital safety.

13. Digital Consumer Behaviour

Digital technology has also changed the way young people shop and make financial decisions. E-commerce platforms allow users to purchase products without visiting physical stores. Digital wallets and cashless payment systems have made transactions faster and more convenient.

Social media has become closely connected to consumer behaviour. Young people may discover products through influencers, advertisements, recommendations, or viral trends.

This creates opportunities but also challenges. Online shopping can provide convenience and access to products from different locations. However, constant exposure to advertising can encourage impulsive purchasing.

Influencer marketing can make advertising appear more personal because products are presented by individuals whom audiences follow regularly. Young consumers therefore need to understand that online recommendations may have commercial motivations.

Financial literacy is increasingly important in a digital environment. Young people need to understand budgeting, online payment security, advertising techniques, subscriptions, and the difference between wants and needs.

14. Digital Inequality

Although digital technology provides many opportunities, not all young people have equal access to digital resources. Some have reliable internet connections, modern devices, supportive learning environments, and access to educational software. Others may have limited connectivity, shared devices, or fewer opportunities to develop digital skills.

This difference is often described as the digital divide. Digital inequality can affect education and employment because many opportunities increasingly depend on internet access.

For example, a student with a reliable computer and fast internet may find it easier to participate in online learning than a student who depends on a shared mobile phone. Similarly, young people from different socioeconomic backgrounds may have different opportunities to learn advanced digital skills.

Addressing digital inequality therefore requires more than simply providing internet access. Young people also need affordable devices, digital literacy education, technical support, and safe learning environments.

Schools and communities can play an important role by providing access to computers, internet facilities, training, and educational resources.

15. Globalisation and Cultural Exchange

Digital technology has made the world more interconnected. Young people can discover music, films, languages, food, fashion, traditions, and ideas from other countries with unprecedented ease.

This can encourage cultural understanding. A young person can communicate with people from different backgrounds and learn about lifestyles that may be very different from their own.

Digital platforms also allow local cultures to reach international audiences. Young creators can share traditional music, food, crafts, stories, and languages with people around the world.

However, global digital culture can also create concerns about cultural homogenisation. Young people may become heavily exposed to popular international trends while local traditions receive less attention.

The effect therefore depends on how young people engage with global content. Digital technology can be used to consume international culture while also preserving and promoting local identity.

16. Political and Civic Awareness

Digital platforms have changed how young people encounter information about society and public affairs. Social media can expose young people to news, public debates, campaigns, community initiatives, and different political perspectives.

This can increase opportunities for civic participation. Young people can learn about social issues, discuss ideas, join community activities, and communicate with organisations.

However, online political information can also be misleading or highly polarised. Algorithms may repeatedly expose users to content that matches their existing interests, potentially limiting exposure to different perspectives.

Young people therefore benefit from approaching online public-affairs content critically. They should distinguish between verified information, personal opinion, advertising, satire, and misinformation.

Digital citizenship involves not only consuming information but also communicating responsibly. Young people should consider the consequences of sharing unverified claims or attacking other users.

17. The Importance of Digital Balance

One of the central challenges facing young people is finding balance. Digital technology is likely to remain an important part of education, employment, communication, and entertainment. The realistic goal is therefore not to eliminate technology but to develop healthy ways of using it.

Digital balance means being able to use technology intentionally rather than automatically. A student might use a laptop for two hours to complete meaningful academic work, while another person might spend the same amount of time scrolling without a clear purpose. The amount of screen time alone does not fully explain the quality of digital experience.

Young people can develop healthier habits by setting boundaries around device use. For example, they can establish periods without social media, turn off unnecessary notifications, avoid using devices during important conversations, and keep electronic devices away from the bed when preparing for sleep.

It is also useful to distinguish between active and passive digital activities. Creating content, learning a skill, communicating with friends, or solving problems may provide different experiences from endless scrolling.

The goal should be intentional technology use. Young people should be able to decide when technology adds value and when it is better to disconnect.

18. The Role of Parents and Families

Parents and families have an important role in helping young people navigate digital trends. Simply banning technology may not always be effective because digital tools are deeply connected to education and social life.

Instead, parents can encourage open conversations about online experiences. Young people should feel comfortable discussing cyberbullying, uncomfortable content, online relationships, privacy concerns, or other problems without immediately fearing punishment.

Parents can also model healthy digital behaviour. Young people often observe how adults use smartphones and other devices. If adults constantly check their phones during conversations, children may receive mixed messages about responsible technology use.

Family rules can be useful when they are clear and reasonable. These may include expectations about device use during meals, homework, bedtime, or family activities.

Most importantly, digital education should develop independence. As young people become older, they need to learn how to make responsible decisions without constant supervision.

19. The Role of Schools and Teachers

Schools also have a responsibility to prepare students for digital life. Digital literacy should not be limited to teaching students how to operate software. It should include online safety, information evaluation, privacy, responsible communication, cybersecurity awareness, and ethical technology use.

Teachers can also demonstrate how digital tools can support learning. Instead of simply telling students not to use certain technologies, educators can explain appropriate and inappropriate uses.

The growth of AI makes this especially important. Students need guidance on using AI as a learning support while maintaining academic honesty and developing independent thinking.

Schools can also teach students how to recognise misinformation and evaluate online sources. These skills are increasingly relevant because young people receive information from many different channels.

Digital education should therefore be viewed as a core part of modern education rather than an optional additional skill.

20. The Future of Young People in a Digital World

The digital environment will continue to evolve. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, automation, and new forms of digital communication may become more common.

Young people will probably experience workplaces that are more technologically integrated than those of previous generations. They may need to work with AI systems, collaborate remotely, manage digital information, and continuously learn new tools.

The future will therefore require adaptability. Young people cannot rely only on technologies they learn at school because technology can change faster than formal curricula.

At the same time, human qualities will remain important. Creativity, empathy, communication, ethical reasoning, critical thinking, and collaboration cannot simply be replaced by knowing how to operate a particular application.

The most successful adaptation to technological change is therefore likely to involve combining digital competence with strong human skills.

Conclusion

Digital trends have transformed the lives of young people in many different ways. Technology influences how young people communicate, learn, build relationships, entertain themselves, express their identities, shop, work, and participate in society. Smartphones, social media, online learning, artificial intelligence, digital entertainment, and e-commerce have created opportunities that were difficult to imagine for previous generations.

The benefits of digital technology are significant. Young people can access information and education from around the world, communicate across geographical boundaries, develop creative skills, build professional networks, and discover new career opportunities. Digital communities can also provide social connection and support.

Nevertheless, digital technology creates challenges that cannot be ignored. Excessive use can interfere with sleep, physical activity, education, and face-to-face relationships. Social media can create pressure and encourage unrealistic comparisons. Cyberbullying, misinformation, privacy risks, online scams, and digital inequality are additional concerns. Artificial intelligence introduces further questions about academic integrity, employment, creativity, and the importance of human judgment.

The most important issue is therefore not whether young people should use digital technology. Digital technology is already a major part of modern life and will probably become even more important in the future. Instead, the key issue is how young people can use technology in ways that support their development.

Young people need digital literacy, critical thinking, self-discipline, privacy awareness, and the ability to recognise reliable information. They also need support from families, schools, communities, technology companies, and policymakers. Education should prepare young people not only to operate digital devices but also to understand the social, ethical, and personal consequences of digital technology.

Ultimately, digital trends are tools. Their effects depend greatly on how they are designed, accessed, and used. Technology can open doors to knowledge, creativity, communication, and opportunity, but it can also create distraction, pressure, and risk. Young people who learn to use digital technology intentionally and responsibly can take advantage of its opportunities while reducing its potential harms.

The future will undoubtedly be increasingly digital. Preparing young people for that future does not mean teaching them to spend more time online. It means helping them develop the knowledge and judgment necessary to decide when technology is useful, when caution is necessary, and when it is better to disconnect. A balanced approach can allow digital technology to become a tool for learning, creativity, connection, and personal growth rather than something that controls everyday life.