On Friday 27 September 2024, the second HappyApero of the year took place at the USI auditorium in Lugano. This moment of exchange and sharing, which is part of the Happiness2.0 project, offers science-based communication activities aimed at Ticino teenagers aged 14 to 18, their parents, and key stakeholders.
After the success of the first meeting held in April, the event once again brought together students, parents and experts for an aperitif dedicated to reflection and dialogue on the topic of digital well-being. But what insights emerged from this evening of discussion?
The event opened with the institutional greetings of Peter J. Schulz, Professor of Health Communication at USI, and Silvia Misiti, Director of IBSA Foundation, who presented the Foundation's activities and the Let's Science! project, a creative multisensory science communication initiative that engages schools and institutions on health topics through experiential labs and comic books.
Afterwards, Laura Marciano, associate researcher at Harvard University and head of the Happiness2.0 project, opened the debate with a series of reflections on identity formation and the influence of social media in this process. The discussion was then animated by Dario Gennari, psychologist and psychotherapist, and Valdo Pezzoli, paediatrician specialising in adolescence. The debate highlighted the importance of authenticity in the growth path of young people, emphasising how the process of “becoming who you are” represents a fundamental stage in the development of the personality. Experts stressed the central role of the family as the primary environment where young people can explore and express their authentic selves. It is precisely in this context that the foundations for a healthy self-esteem are built, a crucial element for dealing with the outside world and, in particular, with social media.
According to the experts, social media in itself is neither good nor bad, what matters is how it is used. It was emphasised that authenticity is crucial to maintain one's identity, especially in a digital context where the self risks being distorted. Scientific research suggests that constant exposure to online content and social pressure can lead teenagers to create a digital image that is different from the real one, chasing others' standards and expectations. This misalignment between one’s authentic self and online representation can negatively impact psychological well-being, causing anxiety and stress. Cultivating authenticity, therefore, not only helps individuals stay true to themselves, but also serves as a defence against the potential pitfalls of social media.
The topics under discussion were covered extensively during the HappyLab, held from 23 to 27 September 2024 at Casa Carlo Cattaneo. In these workshops, participants explored the concept of identity through the creation of masks, symbolising the different facets of the self.. This exercise offered a space for reflection on authenticity in a world dominated by social media.
The most anticipated moment of the evening was the intervention of content creator and youtuber ShantiLives, interviewed by Laura Marciano. Shanti shared her experience with social media, explaining how it became a space for interaction and sharing when she found it difficult to express herself within her family. Over time, however, she learnt to protect her private sphere, creating a ‘privacy bubble’. Although social media is now her job and part of her daily life, she has chosen not to share everything with her followers, successfully maintaining a separation between the two dimensions of her life.
The evening ended with a vibrant discussion, during which the audience had the opportunity to ask questions and share opinions. An exchange that further enriched the debate, offering new insights into the relationship between social media, authenticity and well-being.