If you have followed my journey or read my previous articles, you already know that Logotherapy is both my philosophy of life and the foundation of my work with children and teenagers. Its principles guide me in helping young people find meaning and purpose in their lives.
Social media is a big part of young people’s daily lives. It changes how they talk to each other, share their stories, and connect with the world. But have you ever thought about how it affects them deep inside?
Viktor Frankl’s Logotherapy, a type of psychotherapy that focuses on finding meaning in life, can help us understand how social media impacts young people.
Social media often gives the feeling of connection and happiness. Young people seek approval through likes, shares, and comments, believing these will bring a sense of belonging or self-worth. However, Logotherapy warns us that these quick, online interactions are not the same as real meaning. Real fulfillment comes from living a life based on our personal values and working toward meaningful goals—not from online approval.
Viktor Frankl’s idea of the "existential vacuum" refers to the emptiness people feel when they don’t have a clear sense of purpose. Using social media too much can make this feeling worse, as it encourages passive consumption of content instead of focusing on what really matters. It is easy to get stuck in the habit of scrolling through social media without thinking, which can lead to feelings of emptiness. Logotherapy teaches us that when we feel a sense of emptiness, it is often because we are missing something meaningful in our lives. We can start to fill that 'gap' by thinking about what truly matters to us—what we care about, what excites us, and what kind of difference we want to make—and then taking steps to pursue those things.
One of the main ideas in Logotherapy is that young people always have the freedom to choose how they respond to life, including how they use social media. When engaging with these platforms, they can decide whether to passively scroll through content or use them in a more meaningful way. Social media can be a great tool for connecting with others, sharing ideas, and expressing their passions. But it is important for young people to remember that they have the choice to use social media in a way that aligns with their true values, rather than simply as a means of distraction or seeking superficial approval.
