Lecture and Discussion

How has our media consumption changed in Germany—and how does it affect us? Digital media have long been part of our everyday lives—but they’re also changing the way we live, think, and interact with one another. How do smartphones, social media, and the like affect our mental health and social lives? And why has an entire generation’s life satisfaction changed so dramatically?

This talk provides a concise overview of current trends and explores the psychological, social, and biological mechanisms underlying our use of digital media. Why do we sometimes find it hard to put down our smartphones and step away from social media? And what impact does this have, in particular, on children, adolescents, and young adults?

The focus is on three topics: the growing significance of addictive behavior, trends in life satisfaction, and the question of how digital media influence our identity and self-image. Afterward, there will be plenty of time for questions and discussion.

With: Merle Lorenz, sociologist and educational scientist,
Center for Behavioral Addiction – DIGITAL – totally normal?!