A new study by the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Faculty of Education at the University of Ljubljana has highlighted the main challenges facing young people in the digital world. The research, titled Digital Maturity of Youth, shows that peers are the most important source of digital skills, while schools often lack advanced digital literacy education.
The survey included young people aged 16 to 24, a group navigating the transition from secondary to higher education. Findings reveal that 75% of students missed advanced digital literacy content during their schooling, particularly in areas such as safe internet use, online banking, and evaluating information credibility.
The study also found that more than 90% of young respondents have already used artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT. While many expressed excitement, they also voiced concerns about the rapid rise of AI.
Two major issues emerged as key challenges: digital illiteracy—both among youth and educators or parents—and the need for digital disconnection to maintain balance in everyday life.
The project, carried out under the CRP initiative Digital Maturity of Youth: Social Needs and Informal Education of Young People in the Digital Age (V5-2329 (B)), is being implemented by the Media Studies and Digital Culture Unit at the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Department of Basic Pedagogical Studies at the Faculty of Education.
Source: University of Ljubljana
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