With Call2Nature project, we have focused on the environmental impact of digital technology by raising awareness among young people about addictions, ethical issues and the popularisation of several environmental aspects behind smartphones that are in the shades!

For this reason, we have developed interesting non-formal educational activities for youth workers to tackle different aspects (you can read them in a separate article!).

First of all, we have engaged young people and youth workers to discuss with us such topics. We have a total of 41 participants, evenly distributed among the age groups involved (18-22, 23-26, 27-29), ensuring a good reference sample for the reliability of the obtained data.                                                           

From the evidence collected during the field research conducted on young individuals, it can be argued that, although some of them use smartphones for less than three hours a day, over half of the respondents reported using digital devices for more than 3 hours a day, with 1 in 4 even exceeding five hours.                                                            Less than half of them express interest in addressing climate change in their own country, while 63% show enthusiasm for European Union initiatives, indicating a notable dedication to programs promoting the green transition. Specifically, there is limited knowledge regarding the origin and quality of raw materials used in digital devices that are purchased (64%) and their environmental impact (66%).                                                                                             There is good awareness about the ability to identify fake news on these topics (about half of the participants are certain they have the tools to understand the accuracy of news). Despite the high use of digital devices, unfortunately, online platforms are not yet perceived as active tools for green change, with 3 out of 4 respondents not using them.                                                                                       

Another important point to highlight is the lack of awareness that our purchasing choices can influence our environmental footprint on the planet and how our negative impact on the environment can be offset (64%). Linked to this inability to make the passive process of environmental pollution reversible, the majority of respondents do not adopt daily sustainable practices aimed at improving environmental health.                                                                                           In conclusion, the research reveals a significant reliance on digital devices among young individuals, but there is a notable lack of awareness and action concerning environmental issues. 

Despite expressing enthusiasm for EU initiatives promoting the green transition, the interviewed poll shows a limited understanding of the environmental impact of their own digital consumption, as well as the specific knowledge technologies could bring to actually shift toward more environmental consumerism. 

What we have found out is the lack of knowledge and awareness about addictions and health issues that arise when using technology. This is for sure something to analyse and review in a follow-up action.

The findings suggest a need for targeted education and awareness campaigns to bridge these knowledge gaps and encourage more sustainable practices among the surveyed youth group. Finally, we could with confidence declare that digital competences and environmental awareness of young people are not paired in their current practice. 

In this sense, we have a pool of young people who use technology but without sufficient criticism, and without a specific awareness on the potential mental health impacts.

Follow for the further results on www.call2nature.com