Social and Digital Transformations: The Effects of the Internet on the Younger Generation

Abstract

This study examines the influence of social media on the behavior, perceptions, and daily experiences of young people in Romania, with particular attention to patterns of use, preferred platforms, emotional ef-fects, self-image, interpersonal communication, and educational or professional opportunities. The research is based on a descriptive quantitative design, using an online questionnaire distributed through digital chan-nels to a snowball sample of 100 respondents aged 16–30. The questionnaire included closed and open questions structured around demographic characteristics, frequency of social media use, platform prefer-ences, purposes of use, perceived emotional impact, and the role of digital platforms in personal and pro-fessional development. The data were analyzed mainly through descriptive statistics and interpretative dis-cussion of respondents’ answers. The findings indicate that social media is deeply integrated into young people’s daily routines. Most re-spondents use these platforms for recreation, communication with friends, and information, while Insta-gram and TikTok emerge as the most frequently used platforms. The results also show a dual impact: social media supports connectivity, access to opportunities, and personal expression, but it may also generate pressure related to self-image, social comparison, and excessive screen time. The originality of the study lies in its applied focus on Romanian youth and in its integrated analysis of behavioral, emotional, social, and developmental dimensions of social media use. Practically, the results highlight the need for digital literacy initiatives, balanced online habits, and educational strategies that help young people use social media critically, safely, and constructively.