From Smartphones and Social Media Bans to Digital Minimalism
Elvis Mazzoni, Martina Benvenuti, Giacomo Poli
The contribution proposes a reflection on the use of smartphones and social media by minors, with a focus on the problems related to dysfunctional use in pre-adolescence and adolescence. In response to these problems, several countries have introduced laws and proposals to limit the use of smartphones up to the age of 14 and social media up to the age of 16. The question that guides the reflection is whether such measures can be effective or not. A central theme to be addressed is parental hypercontrol, generated precisely by digital technologies. Indeed, some research suggests that excessive control can increase family conflicts and reduce the ability of young people to develop digital skills. The conclusion focuses attention, therefore, on “digital minimalism” or access to technologies progressively without limits based on age and digital education. This approach could alleviate parents’ anxiety regarding their children’s digital use, reduce potential dependence on smartphones and social media and stimulate adequate digital education, also involving schools and families.
Keywords
Smartphone, Social-Media, Parental Control, Hypercontrol, Digital Minimalism.
