A scientific introduction intended to engage and stimulate reflection in pupils.

Social media under the magnifying glass, between dialogue and experiment

During the theoretical part of the event, the results of some research regarding the influence of social media on adolescents' lives will be presented. Participants will have an opportunity to share their opinions on this topic through anonymous voting, encouraging an open and honest dialogue. In addition, the experiment “A Peer of Yours is Watching You” highlighted how the human brain, specifically that of adolescents, is especially stimulated when it comes to the opinion of others, especially in relation to people of the same age.

If we were to represent our digital identity on a real mask, what would it look like?

How many masks did Mr. Angelo Moscarda, the protagonist of “One, No One and a Hundred Thousand” the most famous work by Luigi Pirandello, wear, and how many are worn by younger people today! 

It is precisely they, in debates, who tell of hiding behind filters on social media, for fear of not being accepted or understood, in a paradoxical game of masks. 

“I have two accounts: a serious one and one in which I post very little. In the private one with friends I post and don't think about whether I came out well or not. It is more fun to use the one with friends.” (A participant)

And it is through play, with each person creating his or her own mask, that the event offered an opportunity to explore the complex concept of identity in a tangible way. 

The colorful masks made during the workshop became powerful visual symbols of the many facets of the self that each participant carries, both consciously and unconsciously. This experience stimulated an inner dialogue and discussion with the group about the meaning of truly being oneself in a world dominated by external expectations and influences. 

What are the core values for you? How do they approach or diverge from your digital identity?

The workshops conclude with a reflection on the concept of Flourishing and well-being, exploring the various perspectives related to happiness. Children are invited to reflect on the question “What does it mean to you to be happy?” and share their thoughts on magnetic notepads, ranking them according to importance to their own well-being within a pyramid of values. 

In the age of social media, the pursuit of happiness is intertwined with the management of our online image. The virtual world becomes a stage where people can choose how they show themselves and what they reveal about themselves to others. In this context, masks can help, making people feel safe from judgment and criticism, and giving the shy the courage to express themselves and show sides of themselves that would otherwise remain hidden. 

The use of filters and masks should not be condemned out of hand. According to psychologists, these tools are not only expressions of vanity, but can also be powerful means of self-expression and, if used consciously, do not prevent the building of authentic and meaningful relationships.