Are Teenagers Lost in the Void?
And how can we help to close this void?
Note: In conjunction with this article, I conducted a survey with 19 teenagers, all mostly aged 16 or 17.
The insights shared in this piece are drawn directly from their anonymous submissions, giving a raw and unfiltered look at the thoughts, experiences, and challenges facing today’s youth.
Their voices add a unique perspective to the ongoing conversation about community, support, and the journey to self-empowerment.
It’s the weekend, and my 16-year-old son has no idea what to do. He’s been in his room all morning, lying in bed like most teenagers, but with a screen in his face. In fact, if I’m honest, multiple screens. He bounces between his iPhone, iPad, and PlayStation—sometimes all at once. He’s become quite skilled at it, but is it fulfilling him? I don’t think so. Sure, he loves scrolling through TikTok (there’s some hilarious content there), gaming, and watching YouTube, but none of it seems to be enough.
Teenagers are growing increasingly bored with the virtual world. When my son says he doesn’t know what to do with himself, it feels like a cry for help. What can he do where no device is involved? Is this really where we’ve ended up? Of course, not every teenager is in the same boat. Some are deeply involved in team sports or part of vibrant local communities. But I can’t help but wonder if this is becoming the exception rather than the rule. And what is more, extra-curricular activities can be pretty expensive. More and more teenagers seem unsure of what to do with their time. They’re so used to losing hours in virtual spaces that they’ve forgotten about the alternatives. And what about their passion and drive? Nothing else seems to offer the lure of dopamine hits like social media, making real life feel empty and dull.
Teachers I have spoken to are saying that kids today are lacking focus, that curriculums are outdated and can’t begin to offer kids the stimulation that the online world gives them. It is getting harder and harder to enthuse kids and to keep their attention. They just don’t seem passionate about much any more. Two participants in our recent survey mentioned attention span: “I definitely lose concentration easier and struggle with longer tasks.” Another participant said it “lowers productivity,” and another mentioned, “it makes everyday life bland and less enjoyable.” Today we can find the answer to any question (whether correct or not!) online in seconds. Where we once had to search for an answer—whether by asking someone for advice, flipping through a book, or conducting hours of research—we can now get answers within seconds, thanks to the power of technology. Teenagers don’t even need to leave their rooms—but that’s where the problem lies.
The increase in smartphone ownership and the rise of social media have undeniably driven our growing reliance on digital technology, with the pandemic acting as a significant accelerator of this shift. Even before the pandemic, the impact of social media on online behaviour was evident, but the pandemic compounded these effects. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), anxiety and depression levels rose by 25% globally during the pandemic, a surge that has largely been attributed to increased screen time, disrupted social interactions, and heightened isolation.¹ This reliance on digital platforms started well before the pandemic, influenced by the advent of social media, with studies showing a steady increase in teens’ online activity. In 2015, 24% of teenagers in the US² were online almost constantly. By 2022, that figure had almost doubled, with 46% of teens reporting near-constant connectivity.³ This shift has not only changed how teens interact with each other but has also affected their mental health, as the boundaries between online and offline life become increasingly blurred.
Adolescence is a critical time for brain development, and teenagers are especially sensitive to their environment. As they navigate this stage, they struggle to regulate emotions and control their behaviour, making it even harder to manage screen time, handle online conflicts, or avoid the negative effects of social media comparisons, like body image issues. Sleep, vital for development, is also compromised. On average, adolescents sleep far less than recommended, which can significantly affect their well-being.⁴,⁵,⁶
This digital dependency has far-reaching consequences, not just on social interactions, but on mental health and family dynamics. Whether related to digital devices or not, 45% of youth aged 10 to 24 in the US⁷ and over 20% of 8 to 16-year-olds in the UK are likely to experience mental health issues.⁸ Family dynamics have shifted as well. Young people today are twice as likely to experience their parents' divorce compared to 30 years ago.⁹ One study found that a quarter of youth between 10 and 24 years feel a sense of not belonging.¹⁰ Adolescents are also increasingly worried about personal safety and violence, exacerbated by the fear-based rhetoric on social media and the constant stream of news about political and environmental threats, such as wars, natural disasters, and genocide.
The "slow-down factor"¹² in Generation Z seems to challenge traditional societal expectations around urgency and achievement. In the past, adolescence was often framed as a time of preparation for adulthood—where milestones like learning to drive, starting relationships, getting a first job, or leaving home were all expected to happen at a relatively early age. These steps were seen as markers of independence and maturity. However, Generation Z seems to be defying this timeline, delaying these milestones or approaching them with less urgency. On one hand, this could be viewed as a sign of much-needed reflection. Given the global uncertainties—such as economic instability, climate change, and political unrest—perhaps it’s a healthy response to slow down and reassess what adulthood truly means. This generation may be prioritizing mental health, taking their time to understand themselves, and resisting societal pressures to "grow up" too quickly. It could indicate a more thoughtful, deliberate approach to life, as they recognise that rushing into the traditional adult path may not be as appealing or even possible in today’s world. In this sense, the slow-down factor may represent a more grounded, reflective attitude—an attempt to navigate the complexity of modern life in a way that aligns with personal values rather than societal expectations.
On the other hand, this slowdown may also reflect a more negative consequence of living in a disjointed society. The pressures of digital overload, the pervasive fear of missing out (FOMO), and a lack of stable social structures may lead to hesitation and uncertainty. With many societal institutions undergoing change, young people may feel a sense of helplessness or disillusionment about their future, leading them to delay traditional milestones like entering the workforce or forming long-term relationships. Rather than being a sign of conscious reflection, this reluctance could stem from a lack of direction, an over-reliance on the comfort of virtual worlds, or an avoidance of real-world challenges.
Exploring both sides of the "slow-down factor" helps us understand the deeper forces at play. Is this a positive shift toward thoughtful, individualized journeys, or is it an indication of an overwhelmed and disconnected generation struggling to find their place in a rapidly changing world? Teenagers today are more informed than ever, but it’s a double-edged sword—these experiences can both help and harm them.
¹³
It would be one-sided to say that parenting has completely fallen short. We gave our children access to the online world with the best intentions—hoping to help them by providing more educational tools and keeping them safe. We prioritized academic success and safety, but in hindsight, our approach may not have been entirely effective. These are the dynamics of the modern world, and none of us truly considered that our children were essentially "guinea pigs" in this new digital age. By failing to anticipate the consequences, we have inadvertently fueled their anxieties and self-doubt. Over the past decade, many governments have cut funding for youth services, which has only added to the problem. Children, like adults, need to feel a sense of purpose. If adolescents were required to engage in mandatory social work, they would spend less time online and more time focusing on something outside themselves. They would learn the value of contributing to society.
We've also become disconnected from in-person interactions. Let's face it: many adults are online just as much as kids, and few of us are actively engaged in our local communities. In a recent survey we carried out on Local Community at The Informed Perspective, only 5.56% of adults were active in their local community. This corresponded with our teenage survey where only one teenager in our survey knew that their parents were actively involved in the community. By withdrawing from community involvement, we've set a poor example, and kids follow our lead. There are also more home-based activities today, like watching movies or working out at home, which have reduced our interaction with the outside world. And in many cities and towns, there are fewer local businesses, cafes, and pubs due to the shift toward online shopping and home-based activities.
And the result? These places that once served as community hubs are becoming less common, further diminishing opportunities for spontaneous social interactions. Even the workplace, once a key place for meeting new people, is no longer necessarily a physical space. Now, it's possible to stay at home all the time—ordering food directly to the door and engaging in virtually every aspect of life without leaving the house. We all have less practice engaging with strangers, so instead of stepping out of our comfort zones and introducing ourselves, we're more likely to keep our heads down and hurry on our way. This avoidance of small talk means we miss out on opportunities to connect with new people and expand our social circles. People are feeling more lonely than ever, yet we often find it too difficult to strike up a conversation with one another.
¹⁴
With the rise of AI, there’s concern that human drive and motivation could decline, and that AI might replace real relationships. Despite the desire for connection, the barriers to engaging with others—whether fear, discomfort, or not knowing how—keep us from reaching out. AI can alleviate these fears, and as a result, we may find it even harder to connect in the future!¹⁵
But let’s look at the future of the teen generation.
How can we change their path toward positivity and fulfillment?
What Has Happened to Spirituality?
In our recent social life survey, only one out of the 16 participants said they grew up attending church regularly, and 63% of them didn’t attend church at all as children. The decline of religion and the rise of atheism might have contributed to the loss of an opportunity to teach essential values, reflection, and the importance of focusing on others rather than just oneself. This is something that was once a central part of our lives.
Harrison Hayes, founder of Digitally Intentional, shares a personal story that highlights the profound effects of this digital shift. He explains, “As someone who battles chronic illness, I feel that my illness has pulled me further from my community and from God. I’ve faced daily pain and sometimes weeks without being able to leave the house. It got so bad that I began to find comfort in ChatGPT's voice-to-text feature to calm my panic as my symptoms worsened and pain became unbearable. In those moments of fear and anxiety, I turned to an AI chatbot instead of God, my friends, or my family.”
Harrison’s experience underscores a growing trend of relying on technology for comfort, especially during personal hardship. While digital platforms, like AI chatbots, may provide immediate relief, they often fall short of offering the deep, meaningful connections that come from in-person relationships. As we increasingly turn to digital solutions for support and companionship, we must be aware of the impact this has on our mental health and our ability to form authentic human connections.
The Void in Our Communities
There’s no longer a regular, structured environment in our communities where people meet.¹⁶ We’ve created a void—a void of moral guidance and values, a void of time for self-reflection, a void of quality family time, and a void of social support, all of which have been replaced by screens. When we were young, we had to meet up with friends in person—hours spent at the park, the shopping mall, or local café, and sometimes sneaking into pubs with fake IDs.
Today, young people don’t need to meet up to connect, but this convenience comes with a cost: they miss out on the invaluable experience of face-to-face interaction. Teenagers benefit greatly from social circles outside of school. Peer pressure and bullying are common during adolescence, so having alternative groups of friends—through sports clubs, hobbies, or shared interests—offers a space for support that doesn’t rely solely on schoolmates. This provides a healthier, more diverse social experience. Adolescents need validation from peers, not just from their families.
Thankfully, though it feels like the teenagers I know are starting to speak up. With growing awareness about the negative effects of smartphones and social media, Gen Z and Gen Alpha are beginning to voice what they’ve likely known for some time: their lives are out of balance.
Our survey revealed that every single participant recognised the harm of having a smartphone. Some expressed a wish to get a flip phone but most acknowledged that they were hooked and that it was an inevitable part of their lives. Only 11% expressed that did not wish that they could do more things with their friends that were non-related to devices. 68% of participants expressed an interest in having more youth spaces to hang out in.
Devices have stolen valuable time—time to connect, form deeper social bonds, and simply do something other than stare at a screen. You might think this sounds like good news—finally, they’ll put their devices down and head outdoors. But the reality is more complicated. Even when they want to step outside, they often find themselves alone. Their friends are consumed by online content, glued to their screens, and coming up with alternatives is difficult. As Harrison Hayes reflects:
“Consider the purpose of your automated machines - cars, laundry machine, blender, microwave, oven, etc.. These things all free up your time to focus on more important things. I believe the smartphone was aimed at this very same alleviation, however, does our time on our phones reflect their original purpose or do we just spend all of our free time on the very device that freed it up to begin with?"
The Need for Real-World Connection
There are few social hangouts outside the home, and teenagers are often too nervous to suggest something different for fear of being considered “uncool,” as three of the participants in our social survey also admitted. So, what can we do to help? We need to create real-world social opportunities that help teens gradually transition away from screen time. Let’s breathe new life into local communities by establishing safe, welcoming and inspiring spaces for young people to socialize. We can get involved as mentors, offer workshops, share skills, and organise community events. Let’s give teenagers meaningful work in the form of part-time jobs or volunteer opportunities, allowing them to gain responsibility and purpose—things that are often misinterpreted as boredom. We can encourage kids from different schools and backgrounds to connect, help them develop independence from their families, and introduce them to hobbies they’re passionate about. Additionally, these interactions could offer valuable work experience and introduce them to caring adults they can confide in when they need guidance. These experiences would help teens develop social skills, empathy, and teamwork—critical life skills that are often overlooked in the digital world.
Giving Teens Control: Empowering the Next Generation to Shape Their Digital Futures
Speaking with the youth-led coalition Design It For Us, they stressed that young people are not “helpless” or “in need of help” alone. They emphasized the importance of giving youth more control over their digital lives. Many young people already possess the digital literacy required to create their own personalized online spaces and want to build a better future online. This, they believe, is as essential as fostering a sense of real-world community and connection.
The coalition also highlighted the difficult position parents face in keeping children safe online, especially with “opaque, harmful products that were designed to manipulate users without regard for their well-being.”
The feedback we’ve received from teens who’ve heard about our Tween Talk events at The Informed Perspective has been eye-opening. Many have expressed a desire for something similar for their age group. One 16-year-old, after hearing about a treasure trail we’re organizing for younger kids (no devices, just old-fashioned map reading), told his mum how much he wished there was something like that in his town. Another 15-year-old, the sibling of one of our tweens, constantly asks when we’ll offer something for his friends. This response has been unexpected but revealing—it shows there’s a void, and a real need for meaningful alternatives. The rise of digital interactions, while offering convenience and instant relief, highlights a deeper issue: a lack of authentic human connection. As we see from Harrison’s experience, even in the face of personal struggles, people are increasingly turning to technology for solace instead of reaching out to their communities or loved ones.
The Power of Real Human Connection
This is a wake-up call for all of us. We need to be putting more investment into the young, creating spaces in the community where they feel welcomed, supported, and valued. But this investment shouldn't be limited to just finances. It’s equally important that we, as adults, dedicate our time and energy to nurturing these spaces and engaging with the younger generation in meaningful ways. We need to be present, to offer guidance, and most importantly, to listen.
Creating a community that nurtures its young requires a collective effort. It’s not just about building places where the youth can hang out—it’s about building relationships, fostering trust, and offering the support they need to thrive. By investing both time and resources into creating these spaces, we can provide the young with the connection and sense of belonging that they crave, ultimately helping them develop into strong, confident individuals who feel supported by their communities. The importance of this investment cannot be overstated—it is an investment not just in their future, but in the future of our entire society.
A Glimmer of Hope
It’s definitely not all doom and gloom. A recent study of 4,509 adolescents aged 10 to 24 in the US revealed that 50% are optimistic about their future and feel their life has meaning, even if they are facing mental health challenges. An overwhelming 95% reported having someone in their life who deeply cares about them. Those who feel a sense of belonging are 1.5 times more likely to believe their life is meaningful and 1.7 times more likely to report being happy. In the US, substance abuse—particularly smoking and alcohol consumption—continues to decline, although this positive trend is of course not universal.
We can foster a society that listens, where a culture of likes and emojis is replaced by dialogue and understanding. By supporting local interactions, we can help young people develop the essential skills they need in life.
If we take the first step, I believe nothing will stand in their way and the void can be closed.
Design It For Us is a youth-led coalition founded to ensure that young people are not only part of the solution, but central to it. Big Tech has addicted, exploited, and undermined our youngest generations. Rather than continue to be manipulated, young people deserve online platforms and social media that respect privacy, safety, and well-being. Design It For Us is sounding the alarm by sharing stories and championing the call for change by advocating for policy for safer social media and online platforms for kids, teens, and young adults. As digital natives, experience is expertise, and this coalition is leveraging it to make a brighter future online and off.
Images courtesy of Freepix.
Footnotes
² https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2015/04/09/teens-social-media-technology-2015/
³ https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/08/10/teens-social-media-and-technology-2022/
⁴ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-much-sleep-teens-need
⁵ https://bettersleep.org/research/survey-teens-and-sleep/
⁷ https://jedfoundation.org/what-we-expect-in-2025-new-years-trends-in-youth-mental-health
¹⁰ https://www.trackyouthmentalhealth.com/our-insights
¹⁴ https://nypost.com/2025/02/24/opinion/friendship-in-america-is-in-freefall-and-its-killing-us
¹⁷ https://www.trackyouthmentalhealth.com/our-insights
¹⁸ https://www.cdc.gov/yrbs/dstr/index.html
That sounds very positive. It's a slightly adjacent topic, whenever I'm back in England I've started going back to church after a really large gap. It provides a sense of place, of community and spirituality that I'd missed.
There's so much in here to absorb and think about. It could be the inflexion point in teenage life, as human connection, physical activity, relationships, and understanding risk-reward find space alongside the virtual void. I hope so.