The discussion, moderated by Michał Maurycy Mazur, opened with a question about the impact of social media on the mental well-being of the younger generation. Maia Mazurkiewicz pointed out that social media manipulates users’ emotions and urged people to remember that real life takes place in the physical, not virtual, world. Anna Panek warned that depression could become the most widespread illness in Poland by 2030. She highlighted the artificial nature of the world presented on Instagram, encouraging mindful social media use and the practice of “cyber hygiene.”

Aleksandra Pawlik, with over 12 years of online experience, argued that social media is not inherently bad, emphasizing the presence of valuable educational content. She advised using the “unfollow” feature for accounts that negatively affect well-being. Bartłomiej Piekarski noted that social media fuels a “rat race” and shared his own experience of feeling pressured to portray an idealized life online during the Mister Poland competition.

Mazurkiewicz recommended regularly turning off mobile phones and shared her habit of avoiding electronic devices for 30 minutes before sleeping and after waking. She admitted to having gone a week without using her phone. Anna Panek advocated for adopting a work-life integration approach instead of work-life balance, suggesting that employers should create environments that support the harmony of professional and personal lives.

Piekarski discussed the importance of monitoring time spent online as a key strategy for controlling social media’s influence. Mazurkiewicz supported banning social media for individuals under 16 and highlighted the growing problem of online hate speech. Piekarski responded by emphasizing that online hate reflects more poorly on the haters than on their targets.

Anna Panek noted that Generation Z often communicates more online than in person. Aleksandra Pawlik agreed, acknowledging that while social media can weaken traditional social bonds, it also facilitates forming new relationships. Panek added that Generation Z is more demanding than previous generations, though she did not view this as a problem. Instead, she encouraged young people to use social media more consciously to avoid addiction.

Regarding mental health, Mazurkiewicz stressed the importance of seeking help during crises and utilizing crisis hotlines. Panek highlighted the shortage of mental health professionals in Poland, with approximately 18,000 psychologists and only 502 psychiatrists in the country. She appealed to young people to consider careers in mental health professions. Piekarski recommended mental training as a way to manage the dopamine overload triggered by social media.

Closing the panel, Aleksandra Pawlik urged everyone to reflect on their needs and the role social media plays in their lives. She emphasized that such reflection should be the starting point for more conscious technology use.