Last week, students from Stefan Żeromski Primary School No. 3 in Reda participated in the final session of our fourth workshop. This marked the conclusion of the latest phase of our project, "Echoes of Relationships: Preventing Digital Addiction in the Era of Artificial Empathy."

This time, we explored a topic deeply relevant to the daily lives of young people: "My Digital Shadow – How Technology Takes Control of My Image."

This was not a workshop about the internet being inherently bad. Instead, it focused on how easily we can start viewing ourselves through the eyes of others online. Sometimes, all it takes is a single photo, a comment, a lack of engagement, fewer likes than usual, or comparing oneself to someone who "always looks better," "has a more interesting life," or is "universally liked."

During the meeting, students examined what their digital footprint is and how an online persona is formed. We discussed how it is shaped not only by photos and posts but also by comments, reactions, shares, followed content, and communication styles.

There was also plenty of discussion about emotions. We talked about what happens when we wait for reactions, why likes can boost our mood while their absence can dampen it, and how social media amplifies the need for acceptance—and how easy it is to confuse online popularity with self-worth.

Students reflected on questions such as: Does my profile show the real me, or a version created for others' reactions? Do I post because I want to, or because I am waiting for validation? Am I comparing my ordinary life to the curated highlights of others? Can I put my phone away when the internet starts affecting my mood?

These were vital conversations because a digital image is no longer separate from reality. For many young people, the internet is a space for relationships, self-presentation, comparison, and tension. That is why learning to use it consciously—without surrendering control over how we perceive ourselves—is so important.

We thank the students of Primary School No. 3 in Reda for their participation, honesty, and engagement. We also thank the school staff for their cooperation and openness to topics that truly matter to today's students.

We head into the summer break with an important reminder: The internet can show many things, but it should never tell a young person what they are worth.

Reda
Jakub Pilarski - Deputy Mayor of Reda
This project is funded by the City of Reda as part of an open call for proposals supporting public tasks in the field of addiction prevention for 2026. Funding amount: 79,800.00 PLN.