Adolescence is a key stage in human development because it is a transition period in which identity is redefinedthey seek belonging and new ways of linking with others are built.
In this process, The family has historically had a central role Being the first social group, the place where values, limits, first affective experiences and also the first conflicts are established.
In the 21st century a phenomenon that transforms this dynamic has emerged: The irruption of a “second family: digital”composed of virtual communities, online friendships and social networks. This does not replace the biological, but complements it, challenges it and, in many cases, competes with it.
“Digital family” is understood as the set of links that adolescents establish in virtual environments and that not only cover their contacts on social networks, but to broader spaces where They interact, they feel heard, shared or understood.
In many cases, the digital family offers something that adolescents do not always find in their home as is constant validation, A sense of belonging and the possibility of reinventing itselfsince they can build profiles that reflect how they want to be seen, without the restrictions that their family environment of belonging can impose.
In that digital field, The teenager can be boldermore vulnerable, more spontaneous or more talented and, in this sense, the digital family works as a mirror where the adolescent proves versions of himself.
This exploration It has positive aspects since it allows you to expand horizons, discover new interests, know other realities and develop social skills in diverse environments.
However, when this digital family becomes the main Psychological conseciations arise important.
If self -esteem depends exclusively on virtual approval, any rejection can be devastating. Another possible consequence is the fragmentation of identity since it has no real anchor and The need to please the virtual audience can lead to a disconnection with its real emotions and a dependency of external approval.
Traditional home vs. virtual
The traditional home has not disappeared, but has had to adapt to this new competitionin which the parental authority, formerly almost unquestionable, must currently live with multiple influential voices.
The family has not lost its fundamental rolebut it must be transformed to continue being. The challenge for adults is not to consider the digital family as an enemy and understand that, for adolescents, it is a space perhaps more real than the physicist.
It must be integrated and Do not prohibit the use of networks or devalue virtual ties and parents – and educators – try to understand what teenagers look for in those spaces.
It is convenient Ask without judgingdemonstrate genuine interest, discuss what they see and open a deeper communication route than censorship.
And help young people develop a critical look on digital to that can distinguish the real from what is manufacturedand that although the digital family can be valuable, it is not always reliable or replaces real personal ties.