Youth in the digital labyrinth. How media influences the identity and worldview of young people

Contemporary youth grow up in a reality highly saturated with media messages, where the boundaries between the real and the digital world are increasingly blurred. The aim of this paper is to present the influence of media—particularly social media—on the formation of young people’s identity and their perception of the world. By analysing phenomena such as the culture of comparison, online self-presentation, information bubbles, and the growing role of influencers, the article reflects on the ethical challenges faced by both creators and consumers of digital content. The paper raises the question of media responsibility for the mental well-being of young users, as well as the possibilities of strengthening their resilience against manipulation and disinformation. Examples of good practices and the role of media education as a tool for supporting conscious and critical media use are also discussed.