In recent years, the impact of smartphones on the younger generation has been a growing topic of discussion in Spain. Mobile devices have become an integral part of life for teenagers and young adults, replacing traditional forms of leisure and communication. Books have given way to screens, and long conversations to brief messages. This is more than just a change in habits—it is a profound transformation in thinking and perception of the world.
Philosophers and educators note that young people increasingly choose instant gratification over long-term effort. While hard work and perseverance were once valued, today, the pursuit of ease and entertainment takes center stage. This trend is evident not only in academics but also in attitudes toward work, family, and even one’s own future.
Addiction and Regression
For many young Spaniards, the smartphone has become more than just a means of communication—it is a constant companion. It replaces face-to-face interactions and shapes new behavioral patterns. Waiting for a message response brings anxiety that can rival a child’s fear of being left alone. Psychologists describe this as a kind of emotional regression: adults behaving like children, unable to cope with pauses and uncertainty.
A new phenomenon has also emerged—digital monitoring. Young people increasingly check the whereabouts of their friends, who they are talking to, and what they post on social networks. This breeds mistrust, jealousy, and at times, genuine paranoia. As a result, the ability to calmly accept distance and personal space—once taken for granted—is disappearing.
Loss of Interest in Reading
One of the most alarming trends is the decline in reading. Books are being replaced by short videos and images. Young people are increasingly turning away from complex texts in favor of visual content. As a result, their capacity for abstract thinking, imagination, and analytical skills is diminishing.
Philosophers argue that when people stop reading, they lose the ability to turn words into images. The brain gets used to ready-made visuals and stops working at full capacity. As a result, complex ideas become inaccessible, and only simple solutions seem possible.
The Pleasure Culture
The generation gap in Spain is becoming more and more apparent. Older generations are used to hard work, while the young seek constant gratification. Many teenagers and young adults are unwilling to sacrifice their free time for work or study. They prefer leisure, parties, and entertainment. Families often become a financial safety net, allowing them to delay independence.
Working 12-hour days like their parents did now seems absurd to most young Spaniards. Family businesses face a problem: children don’t want to take over if the work demands sacrifice. This leads to conflicts and sometimes even generational rifts.
Social Challenges
However, blaming only the youth for being immature would be unfair. Young people in Spain face real challenges: high housing costs, unstable employment, and mental health issues. More than half of the country’s young people are experiencing serious psychological difficulties, as confirmed by recent studies.
In these circumstances, the smartphone becomes not just a source of entertainment, but also a way to escape reality. The virtual world seems easier and safer than real life with its challenges and uncertainty. But this approach doesn’t solve problems; it just postpones them.
The Spanish experience
Comparing modern Spain with historical examples, philosophers draw parallels with the fall of the Roman Empire. When work stopped being a value and pleasure became the goal, society became vulnerable. According to some thinkers, today’s youth risk repeating this pattern if they do not change their attitude toward life and work.
Nevertheless, the situation is not so clear-cut. Young Spaniards are seeking new forms of self-realization, trying out different fields, and are unafraid to change professions or places of residence. They are open to change, but not always ready for long-term effort. This contradiction has become the main challenge for a country striving to maintain a balance between tradition and modernity.
