In this open world, someone we don't know can become a role model for our children, simply because they have millions of followers or provide widely shared content. Digital fame, in the eyes of some young people, may become a measure of success, regardless of the value or impact of the content on the individual and society.
Here, the problem does not lie with social media itself. They are important tools for learning, communication, and acquiring knowledge, and they have provided young people with broad opportunities to showcase their talents, ideas, and projects. However, the real challenge lies in the type of content that reaches our children and the people who gain influence over them through it.
A short video may end in minutes, but its idea may remain in the mind of a child or teenager for a long time. Some content may seem entertaining and simple, but it indirectly carries messages about success, money, fame, relationships, and lifestyle, gradually seeping into the mindset of the new generation.
Therefore, the question that should concern the family is not only: how many hours do our children spend on social media? But also: what are they watching? Who are they following? And who are the people who have become influential in their ideas and behavior?
The solution does not lie in isolating children from the digital world, as this is difficult to achieve in an era where technology has become a fundamental part of daily life. The solution is to build a digital awareness that makes our children more capable of choosing and distinguishing, and gives them the tools to help them know the difference between useful content and content that aims only to attract attention.
Here comes the responsibility of the family, school, media, and content creators. We need an ongoing dialogue with our children, not based solely on prohibition and monitoring, but on understanding, discussion, and promoting critical thinking.
We also need to reconsider the concept of role models. Not every famous person is worthy of being a model to be emulated, and the number of followers is not a measure of value or success. There are scientists, researchers, doctors, engineers, creators, athletes, entrepreneurs, and real success stories that deserve to reach the new generation and find a greater presence in the digital space.
Protecting our children in the digital world does not mean closing the doors on them, but teaching them how to choose what enters their minds and how to use these platforms to their advantage instead of turning them into the sole source of shaping their awareness.
In the end, the most important question remains for all of us:
If we are keen to choose friends for our children in life, why don't we care about who they choose as role models in the digital world?
What our children watch today may contribute to shaping who they will be tomorrow.
