The article reflects on how digitalization has shaped the childhood experiences of Generation Z, particularly emphasizing the influence of social media and constant access to screens. The author, a 25-year-old from Generation Z, shares personal anecdotes of growing up with smartphones and platforms like Instagram, detailing how these experiences affected self-esteem and attention spans. By comparing themselves to highly edited influencers and being subjected to peer pressures through social media, young people's perceptions of their bodies and identities are often challenged.

As they navigated adolescence, the author notes the detrimental effects of their reliance on digital devices, such as staying up late scrolling through Snapchat and struggling with concentration on traditional reading due to distractions from screens. The article argues that valuable life experiences and real connections are being sacrificed in exchange for fleeting online validation, evidenced by a childhood spent measuring worth in 'likes' and online engagement, rather than personal achievements or meaningful relationships.

The piece calls for more awareness and intervention regarding the unregulated digital landscape that impacts youth, suggesting that while many celebrate the successes of digital advancements, the mental and emotional wellbeing of a generation is at stake. It underscores the need for a shift in values that prioritize authentic experiences over superficial online interactions, urging that children and teens require protection and guidance as they grow up in this complex digital environment.