Social media as a source of entertainment

We came from Sochaczew, a small town located near Warsaw. Our journey was long but incredibly exciting, as this is our first time taking part in an international educational project. We are here as part of the Erasmus+ programme, which offers young people the opportunity to gain new experiences, learn foreign languages, and discover other cultures. The project we are participating in focuses on developing professional skills and working in an international team. We have a unique chance to collaborate with students and teachers from different countries, which is very inspiring for us. Every day, we learn something new and gain valuable experience that will surely be useful in the future. We are happy to be part of this amazing initiative.

Social Media as a Phenomenon of Modern Entertainment

Digital entertainment is one of the most rapidly developing areas of modern social life.
This term encompasses all forms of activity that take place via electronic devices and the internet – from watching movies and listening to music to playing games, attending online events, or using social media. What was once associated mainly with watching TV, listening to the radio, or going to the cinema has now been replaced by personalized experiences in the digital world.

Social media have played a major role in this revolution. Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat have not only introduced new ways of consuming content, but most importantly, they have allowed everyone to become a content creator. As a result, entertainment is no longer one-directional – from “broadcaster” to “receiver” – but has become interactive, collaborative, and dynamic. Users no longer just watch – they comment, share, rate, and create. This shift has blurred the boundaries between entertainment and everyday life.

The way we spend our free time has also changed. Just a dozen or so years ago, it was common to relax after school or work by reading books, watching TV, or meeting up with friends. Today, much of that time has moved online. Social media use is fast, easily accessible, and addictive – all it takes is a smartphone and internet access to instantly find yourself in the center of global events, watch entertaining clips, join a challenge, or meet new people. Time spent online is not only a form of relaxation, but also a way of building social connections, personal identity, and lifestyle.

Social media have also significantly influenced the aesthetics and format of entertainment content. The internet has taught us that what is short, dynamic, and emotional works best. Short videos, memes, and live stories are the formats that dominate today’s media space. Our tolerance for longer content has decreased – it must grab attention almost instantly, because the competition online is enormous.

Social media is a global phenomenon. According to 2024 data, over 5 billion people worldwide use the internet, and nearly 4.8 billion of them have active social media accounts. Notably, the most active group consists of young people aged 13–24. In this group, time spent on social media often exceeds several hours a day.

While the popularity of specific platforms varies by region, there are also common patterns. TikTok is breaking popularity records globally, especially among teenagers and young adults. Its short, rhythmic, and often humorous videos perfectly meet the needs of today’s users. Instagram, particularly through its Reels feature, maintains a strong position as a platform combining entertainment, fashion, lifestyle, and self-presentation. YouTube remains a go-to place for longer video formats, education, and vlogging, while Snapchat – although more niche – continues to enjoy popularity among youth in the USA and Western Europe.

In Poland and many other European countries, similar trends are observed: young people treat social media as an inseparable part of everyday life. For many, these platforms are not only a source of entertainment but also a space for self-expression, seeking role models, commenting on reality, and even building careers. Influencers, YouTubers, and TikTokers have become the new idols of the younger generation, often having more influence than traditional media or schools.

At the same time, there is a growing phenomenon of social pressure linked to online presence – the need to be visible, up to date, and liked. Young people increasingly experience FOMO (fear of missing out), the anxiety that they might miss something important online. This intensifies the urge to always stay “in the loop,” check notifications, and follow trends.

Despite these challenges, social media continues to attract youth. Its strengths lie in accessibility, variety, and interactivity. It allows for quick communication, emotional expression, access to information, and, quite simply – fun. Its role in shaping how free time is spent, how relationships are built, and how digital culture is created today cannot be overstated.

The Short Film Phenomenon: The Secret Behind Their Popularity

The short video format has become one of the most significant phenomena in the modern world of digital entertainment.
TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Snapchat Spotlight – all of these platforms are based on publishing short video clips, usually lasting from a few to several dozen seconds. Their popularity among young people is no coincidence – it stems from a combination of instant access, easy consumption, dynamic format, and immediate gratification.

What makes these formats so attractive?
Above all – the pace and intensity of the message. Short videos get straight to the point – they don’t require long attention spans. In a world where the average user spends just a few seconds on a single post, what matters is instant engagement and capturing attention. Content must be dynamic, often funny, surprising, visually appealing – and that’s exactly what the “shorts” format delivers.

Another key factor is interactivity and ease of content creation.
Thanks to intuitive tools available within the apps, anyone – regardless of technical skill – can record and edit a video, add special effects, music, captions, or filters. This democratizes the content creation process and gives young people a real sense of agency.

Algorithmic personalization also plays a crucial role.
Platforms like TikTok quickly learn a user’s preferences. After just a few watched and liked videos, the app starts delivering content closely tailored to an individual’s interests. This creates the feeling that the app “reads your mind,” increasing engagement and encouraging continued use.

The most popular short video content categories are surprisingly consistent across the globe:

Dance and music – viral choreographies to popular songs, often recreated by thousands of users. Dancing to the same track gives a sense of participating in something bigger.
Humor and sketches – parodies, memes, funny reactions, and everyday situations. These are often the quickest to go viral, as they’re universal and lighthearted.
Lifestyle and fashion – vlogs in condensed form: “what I eat in a day,” “my outfit,” “my day in 15 seconds.” Users share their everyday lives in visually appealing ways.
DIY and education – life hacks, tips, fun facts about science or language. Although these platforms are seen primarily as entertainment-based, many people use them for quick learning.
Challenges and trends – regularly emerging “challenges” in which hundreds of thousands of users participate. They are a form of play, but also a path to gaining popularity.

In summary, short videos have taken over the digital world of youth because they perfectly match the needs of modern users – speed, variety, simplicity, and a chance for creative self-expression.
In Poland, the dominant tone is ironic humor and playful experimentation with form, while in Greece, there is a stronger emphasis on tradition and emotional expression.

Attracting Users: What Drives Social Media Algorithms?

Algorithms are invisible mechanisms that significantly shape how we use social media.
They determine what content we see in our feeds, which videos appear on the “For You” page, which posts are promoted, and which disappear into the digital abyss. Their main goal is to hold the user’s attention as long as possible and encourage regular returns to the app.

Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook design their algorithms to maximize time spent within the app. They do this by analyzing our behaviors: what we watch, how long we spend on a video, what we like, comment on, share, and revisit. Based on this data, a personalized profile of interests is built to deliver even more accurate recommendations. The more relevant the content, the higher the engagement.

In the case of young people, algorithms are particularly effective in using emotional triggers – fast stimuli, surprise, laughter, or sentiment. These provoke immediate reactions and make users move from one video to the next. This is where the so-called “scrolling effect” kicks in – we keep scrolling through content aimlessly, driven by curiosity about what comes next. Features like autoplay and the infinite feed prevent natural breaks – there’s always something else to watch.

The role of recommendations: how do algorithms know what we want to see?
Recommendation systems are one of the key elements of these algorithms. On TikTok, after just a few minutes of use, users begin receiving content tailored to their preferences. The algorithm even analyzes subtle cues like the exact moment we pause a video, whether we watch it to the end, or skip it.

From this data, a dynamic portrait of the user is built – what they like, dislike, their sensitivity, and sense of humor. TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are masters of this – their recommendations are so accurate that users often speak of being “addicted to the algorithm.” These recommendations not only keep users on the platform but also guide them through new interests, trends, subcultures, and lifestyles.

Thanks to recommendations, young people feel like they are discovering something new, exciting, and personal. This deepens their engagement – because they are not just passive consumers, but explorers of a digital world that seems tailor-made just for them.

Authenticity of content and youth engagement
In a world saturated with images and information, authenticity has become the currency of trust. Users – especially young ones – are increasingly looking for content that feels “real” – that shows daily life, genuine emotions, imperfections. Algorithms understand this and often promote content that appears sincere and natural. That’s why amateur phone-shot clips often outperform perfectly edited productions.

Authenticity increases identification with the creator – young people see someone “just like me.” They are more likely to comment, like, and react, which in turn causes the algorithm to promote the content even further. This creates a loop: authenticity → engagement → promotion → even more engagement.

For many young people, social media is not only a space for entertainment, but also for self-expression. Algorithms reward creativity, spontaneity, and emotion – fostering the formation of communities around specific lifestyles, beliefs, or interests.

Virality as a tool for attracting and retaining attention
Virality – the ability of content to spread rapidly and widely – is one of the most powerful drivers of social media. Algorithms detect viral potential based on early interactions: if a video gets a high number of reactions within minutes, it is promoted further. The greater the reach, the more likely it becomes a global trend.

Young people quickly engage with viral content – not just by consuming it, but also by creating their own versions. Dance challenges, lip-syncs, pranks, quizzes, personality tests – all of these attract attention by offering the chance to take part in a shared experience. Participating in a viral trend isn’t just fun; it’s also a way of building digital identity and gaining visibility within the community.

Virality also feeds the social effect – we see what others are doing and want to join in. This is another reason why young people spend so much time on social media – they don’t want to miss out on what “everyone is watching right now.”

In conclusion, social media algorithms act like invisible guides – steering our attention, emotions, and time. They are effective because they rely on psychology, data analysis, and social mechanisms. They leverage the power of recommendations, promote authentic content, and amplify virality. Young people – whose needs and interests lie at the core of these systems – are easily drawn into this world, often without realizing it. That’s why understanding how algorithms work is key to using social media consciously and healthily.

Poland vs Greece: What content entertains young people in both countries?

Social media is a global phenomenon today, but the way young people from different countries use it varies depending on local culture, values, language, and lifestyle.
Poland and Greece are two European countries with different traditions and social temperaments, which influence the entertainment choices of the younger generation. Although platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are popular in both countries, the form and content of the consumed materials often reflect differences in mentality and audience expectations.

In Poland, young people quickly adapt to global trends – dance challenges, pranks, memes, lifestyle videos, and situational humor are everyday content on TikTok and Reels. Polish users enjoy ironic content, often filled with self-deprecating humor and sarcasm. Short sketches from everyday life are especially popular – for example, school scenes, commentary on problems with teachers, or parodies of the “typical Polish parent” or “typical teenager.” There’s a strong influence of meme culture, which has a long-standing tradition in the Polish internet.

In contrast, in Greece, content is more centered around emotional expression, family, and local color. Greek youth often use social media to show family life scenes, comment on customs, and highlight local traditions. Videos featuring funny moments at home – conversations with grandparents, reactions from parents, shared meals, or holidays – are especially popular. Greek creators are not afraid of exaggeration and theatricality – humor is often expressive, dynamic, and rooted in strong emotions. This reflects the Mediterranean lifestyle, where family relationships and emotional expression play a significant role.

Examples of Popular Content and Cultural Differences

Humor and Irony vs. Expressiveness and Theatricality
In Poland, short sketches and meme-like commentary on school, politics, or social issues are very popular. Young creators often use irony and maintain a distance from themselves and their surroundings. A distinctive feature is the “careless professionalism” – content is well thought out but styled to look casual and spontaneous.
In Greece, expressive content dominates, often referencing family relationships. Humor is more direct, emotional, and deeply rooted in everyday life. Popular formats include short scenes starring family members or friends.
Language and Local Identity
Polish creators often use English – especially in titles, hashtags, and popular phrases – to boost reach and align with international trends. In Greece, the native language prevails, making the content more local and targeted at a specific audience. This shows a stronger attachment to cultural identity.
Music and Dance
Dance is a very popular format in both countries – especially on TikTok. However, Polish users tend to choose global hits (pop, rap, K-pop), while in Greece there’s a noticeable presence of local artists and traditional rhythms, even in modern arrangements. Greek youth often use dance to express national identity, sometimes through outfits referencing folk costumes.
Lifestyle and Aesthetics
In Poland, lifestyle content often showcases a modern lifestyle – “my day,” “morning routine,” “what I eat in a day,” “shopping haul.” Instagram Reels and TikToks are full of shots from aesthetic cafés, trendy outfits, and beauty tips. Young people enjoy presenting their passions, achievements, and daily life in a visually appealing way.
In Greece, similar formats are present, but with a more naturalistic and less “staged” style. Visual perfection is less important; authenticity and the creator’s personality matter more. Greek vlogs tend to be longer, more “family-oriented,” with a focus on emotions and relationships.
Trends and Global Challenges
Polish youth actively participate in global challenges – dance, comedy, or pop culture-related. These are often adapted with humor and local context. Greek users also engage in trends, but more often transform them into something personal, family-oriented, and aligned with Greek lifestyle.

In summary, although youth in Poland and Greece use the same platforms and often follow the same trends, the way they interpret and create content is clearly rooted in culture. Polish users prefer content based on irony, speed, and aesthetics, while Greeks emphasize emotionality, locality, and relational expression. These differences not only enrich the online landscape but also demonstrate how national culture shapes our digital behaviors.

The Positive Side of Digital Entertainment: Relaxation or Creativity?

In discussions about the impact of social media on young people, we often focus on the risks, such as addiction, social pressure, or misinformation. Meanwhile, social media also has many positive aspects, especially when used consciously and creatively. For the younger generation, platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest have become not only a source of relaxation and entertainment but also a space for learning, developing interests, and artistic expression.

One of the most important functions of social media is the opportunity to rest and relax. Short videos, funny memes, everyday life updates, or vlogs allow users to break away from stress, school duties, and daily routine. Scrolling through content can serve as a quick mental break – it helps reset, unwind, and improve one’s mood. In many cases, following favorite creators provides a sense of closeness, community, and safety – even if the relationship exists only virtually.

In addition to its relaxing function, social media plays an important educational role today. These platforms offer countless opportunities to gain knowledge in an accessible, interesting, and often entertaining way. On TikTok, for example, there are creators who explain concepts in biology, physics, foreign languages, or history in just a few seconds. Instagram and Pinterest are treasure troves of infographics, guides, diagrams, and exercises. YouTube, on the other hand, allows for a deeper exploration of topics through longer instructional videos, lectures, and tutorials.

Young people are increasingly using social media as an alternative to traditional sources of knowledge. Instead of looking for answers in a textbook, they prefer to watch videos like “how to do it,” “how to understand,” or “what you need to know about…”. This makes learning more individualized, dynamic, and aligned with the natural rhythm of the learner. Moreover, many educational materials are created by peers, which makes them easier to absorb and more engaging.

However, the greatest potential of social media undoubtedly lies in the ability to express oneself creatively. Social media has opened up a space for young people where they can pursue their passions, share them with others, and gain recognition. With simple editing tools and ease of publishing, anyone can be a creator – regardless of age, technical skills, or place of residence.

Examples of positive use of platforms to develop passions and skills

Music and dance
Many young artists started their careers on TikTok or YouTube. By posting short videos with their own compositions, covers, or choreographies, they gained popularity and opportunities for further development. These platforms allow talents to be showcased to a wider audience and even lead to record deals or invitations to TV programs.

Drawing and graphic design
Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok are excellent places to showcase art. Young artists post their work, show the creation process, and share inspiration and techniques. In doing so, they gain not only an audience but also constructive criticism, support, and collaboration opportunities with other creators.

DIY, crafts, cooking
Short how-to guides and tutorials are hugely popular on social media – showing how to make something by hand, cook a meal step by step, or create a decoration or gift. These types of content not only develop practical skills but also encourage offline activities.

Photography and filmmaking
Social media is the perfect space to experiment with photography and video. With widespread access to smartphones with good cameras, young people can create creative projects and learn composition, framing, and editing. Many popular creators began with amateur photos or vlogs recorded at home.

Socio-cultural commentary
More and more young people are using their accounts to speak out on social, political, and cultural issues. They create posts, videos, and stories addressing topics important to their generation – equality, mental health, ecology, human rights. This is not only a form of activism but also a way to develop civic and communication skills.

In summary, social media is not just a source of entertainment and relaxation, but also a powerful tool for personal and creative development. In the hands of conscious and engaged young people, it can become a space for learning, pursuing passions, and building identity. When used appropriately, it helps develop skills, share knowledge, and create valuable content.

Negative Aspects: Addiction and Information Overload

Although social media is full of positives, it also brings several serious challenges, especially when usage becomes excessive and uncontrolled. One of the most serious problems is social media addiction, which can negatively impact daily functioning, mental health, and social relationships.

Addiction to social media is primarily manifested by difficulty in controlling time spent on platforms, constantly browsing content even when users should be engaged in other responsibilities. Young people often experience a strong need to stay “up to date,” and fear of missing out (FOMO). In practice, this means constantly checking the phone, responding to notifications, and being in a state of continuous distraction.

Research shows that prolonged and intensive use of social media can increase the risk of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and sleep disorders. This is because we often compare ourselves to others who present an idealized version of their lives – full of success, attractiveness, and happiness. Such an unrealistic perception of the world can lead to frustration, feelings of inadequacy, and social isolation.

Additionally, algorithmic mechanisms designed to keep us engaged can act as a trap – the longer we stay on the app, the more content we receive specifically crafted to keep us there. This effect can make it difficult to disconnect and maintain a healthy balance between online and offline life.

The Limits of Entertainment: How to Use Social Media Wisely?

Social media has become an inseparable part of young people’s lives, offering entertainment, opportunities for self-expression, and connection with others. However, its intense and uncontrolled use can lead to problems such as addiction, information overload, or reduced effectiveness in other areas of life. That’s why it is important to learn how to use social media wisely — to benefit from it while maintaining control over one’s time and health.

Setting Time Limits and Planning Consciously

The first step to healthy use of social media is conscious time management. It’s worth determining how much time per day you want to spend scrolling, watching videos, or replying to messages. Ideally, you should set a specific limit, such as 1–2 hours a day, and try not to exceed it. Many smartphones and apps now have built-in features that allow you to monitor your screen time and set automatic notifications or locks after reaching a limit. Using these tools helps increase awareness of your own habits and prevents mindless use.

Planning your social media use — for example, limiting it to certain times of the day — also helps maintain balance. This way, social media doesn’t take over your entire day, and there’s still time left for responsibilities, learning, hobbies, and rest.

Turning Off Notifications and Eliminating Distractions

One of the biggest enemies of focus is push notifications. Constant alerts about likes, comments, or messages act like impulses that interrupt concentration and cause us to check our phones even without a real reason.
That’s why a good habit is turning off most social media notifications or limiting them to only the most important ones. You can also use “Do Not Disturb” mode while studying or working. Eliminating distractions also includes creating the right environment — for example, putting your phone away while doing homework or spending time with family and friends.

Creating Instead of Consuming Passively

Active use of social media — such as creating your own posts, videos, or photos — encourages greater engagement and a sense of satisfaction compared to passively scrolling through your feed. By creating, we learn new skills, express ourselves, and build a community. Instead of consuming content mindlessly, it’s worth asking yourself: “What can I create today? How can I share my passions or ideas?” This mindset boosts creativity and helps maintain a healthy relationship with social media.

Planning Breaks and Offline Time

Regular screen breaks are extremely important for both mental and physical health. It is recommended to take a short break every hour, stretch your legs, rest your eyes from the screen, and do some relaxation exercises.
Additionally, it’s worth planning longer offline periods — for example, weekends or evenings without your phone and internet. Such digital detoxes help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and rebuild real-life relationships with family and friends.

Balancing Entertainment and Responsibilities

To avoid overload and burnout, it’s important to find a healthy balance between time spent online for fun and fulfilling school, family, or personal responsibilities. It’s a good idea to set priorities and follow a daily schedule that includes time for studying, sports, hobbies, social interactions, and rest.

Young people can use time management techniques such as the Pomodoro method (working in short, focused intervals with breaks) or to-do lists, which help organize the day and avoid procrastination.

Awareness of Emotions and Habits

Wise use of social media also requires self-reflection. It’s important to learn how to recognize when social media stops being enjoyable and starts causing stress, pressure, or frustration.
Being aware of your own emotions and the way algorithms work helps you make decisions that support your mental health. For example, if you notice that certain content makes you feel down or causes negative emotions, it may be worth limiting or avoiding it.

Support and Communication

Lastly, it’s important to remember that setting social media boundaries together with family, friends, and teachers can be very helpful. Open conversations about how social media affects us allow for better understanding of challenges and help develop healthy habits together.

Summary: Social Media as an Element of Contemporary Culture

Social media has become an inseparable element of modern culture, especially for the younger generation. Over the past several years, it has transformed the way we communicate, spend our free time, learn, and express ourselves. For young people in Poland and Greece—just like around the world—social media is both a source of entertainment and a platform for education, creativity, and social interaction. However, like any tool, it has its advantages and risks, which are important to understand in order to use it consciously and in a balanced way.

Benefits of Digital Entertainment

One of the most important positive aspects of social media is its role as a source of relaxation and stress relief. Short videos, funny memes, live streams, and interactive quizzes allow young people to take a break from daily stress, improve their mood, and spend their time in an enjoyable and engaging way. It’s also a space for making connections and building communities around shared interests, which is especially important for young people seeking their identity.

Social media also serves an educational purpose. Through these platforms, young people can learn new skills, explore interests, and gain knowledge in an attractive format suited to their needs. Many educational contents are presented in the form of short videos that explain difficult topics in a simple and accessible way. This makes learning more approachable and aligned with modern ways of absorbing information.

Moreover, social media gives young people the opportunity for creative expression. Thanks to the ease of publishing content and the availability of editing tools, anyone can become a creator. This is important not only for personal development but also for building self-confidence and communication skills. Creating content allows young people to pursue their passions, share ideas, and build online communities.

Risks of Digital Entertainment

Nevertheless, social media also comes with serious risks that can negatively impact the mental health and daily functioning of young users. Addiction to social media is an increasingly diagnosed issue, characterized by difficulty in controlling the time spent online, a constant need to stay “up to date,” and a fear of missing out (FOMO).

Prolonged and excessive use of social media can lower self-esteem, especially when young people compare themselves to idealized versions of others’ lives. This phenomenon can trigger feelings of inadequacy, frustration, and stress, which in turn affect overall well-being and may contribute to mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety.

In addition, social media can cause information overload, leading to a loss of focus and reduced attention span. The constant stream of content and notifications makes it harder to concentrate on long tasks like studying or reading, which can negatively impact academic performance.

How Can Youth in Poland and Greece Use Social Media Wisely?

The key to healthy use of social media is awareness and the ability to set boundaries. Young people, regardless of country, should learn to manage their time online, set usage limits for apps, and recognize the moments when using social media stops bringing joy and starts causing stress.

In both Poland and Greece, it’s also important to develop critical thinking skills when consuming online content. Understanding how algorithms work and how they promote specific content helps maintain perspective and avoid getting trapped in endless scrolling.

Another crucial element is maintaining a balance between online and offline life. Regular screen breaks, physical activity, face-to-face meetings, and pursuing offline interests are fundamental to preserving mental health and overall well-being. Parents, teachers, and caregivers play a vital role here—through education, conversations, and support, they help young people understand how to use social media responsibly and in moderation.

Conclusion

Social media is a powerful tool with the ability to connect people, inspire, and support development. For young people in Poland and Greece, it is an important part of life, offering opportunities for self-expression, learning, and entertainment. However, to use it wisely, a conscious approach is necessary—one that combines enjoyment with responsibility. Maintaining a balance between fun and mental health requires reflection, self-discipline, and support from the environment. Only then can social media play a positive role in the lives of young people, instead of becoming a source of stress or pressure.