On June 10 and 11, 2026, students from the Jan Drzeżdżon Primary School No. 5 in Reda participated in preventive workshops held as part of the project "Echo of Relationships. Prevention of Digital Addiction in the Era of Artificial Empathy."

Over the two days, students took part in five two-hour sessions focused on digital identity, the pressures of social media, and online responsibility. The core theme was "My Digital Shadow – How Technology Takes Control of My Image," addressing the challenges of living in a world where online presence significantly impacts self-esteem, mood, and relationships.

During the sessions, students analyzed the concept of a "digital shadow"—the trail of photos, comments, likes, and interactions left behind online. A key exercise involved mapping these footprints to understand how small, daily decisions shape one's public image. Participants discussed the importance of privacy, setting boundaries, and the realization that the internet often remembers more than we intend.

We also explored the mechanics of social media, specifically how notifications and likes can act as temporary rewards that lead to compulsive phone checking and emotional dependency. By discussing the pressure of perfectionism, students reflected on why comparing their daily lives to idealized online images often leads to frustration and lowered self-worth.

A central conclusion of the workshops was that online popularity is not a measure of human value. True self-worth should be rooted in character, skills, and real-life relationships rather than digital validation. The sessions encouraged students to reflect on their own habits, asking whether their online presence is authentic or merely a performance for others.

These workshops aimed to foster responsible digital behavior and reduce the risk of addiction to social media validation. By providing a space for open dialogue, we helped students recognize that conscious internet use is not about quitting social media, but about regaining control over how technology affects their emotions and well-being.

We would like to thank the students of Primary School No. 5 for their engagement and the school staff for their cooperation. We believe these discussions have empowered the youth to navigate the digital world with greater awareness and respect for their own boundaries.

This project is funded by the City of Reda as part of a 2026 public task competition for addiction prevention, with a grant of 79,800.00 PLN.