Jordi Nomen, a professor and author, has published a new book titled 'Against the Tyranny of the Like,' in which he delves into the detrimental effects of social media on adolescent self-esteem. He emphasizes that many teenagers base their self-worth on the validation they receive from 'likes' on social media platforms, pointing out that this validation is often out of their control. Nomen calls for a re-evaluation of the age at which teenagers are allowed to access social media, arguing that critical thinking and maturity are essential to navigate the complexities of online interactions effectively.

The philosopher and Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman's work is referenced to illustrate a critical point about human cognition: people tend to operate on quick, emotional responses rather than taking the time to reflect or think logically. Nomen warns that the pervasive influence of social media encourages users, especially adolescents, to rely heavily on these instant reactions, leading to a form of cognitive dissonance where deeper reflection is often neglected. He expresses concern that this shift towards rapid thinking diminishes essential human qualities such as calmness and rationality, affecting societal interactions and individual mental health.

Through his advocacy for a more mindful approach to social media usage, Nomen aims to inspire both teenagers and their guardians to reconsider their online habits. By encouraging adolescents to engage in self-reflection and to establish a healthier relationship with technology, he hopes to counterbalance the negative implications of social media's instantaneous feedback systems. This work becomes particularly relevant in a time when digital interactions are ubiquitous and adolescents are at a critical stage of developing their identities and self-esteem, highlighting the urgency of addressing these issues now and in the future.