Spain's youth face rising digital addictions

Mental‑health specialists warn that Spanish adolescents and young adults are increasingly dependent on digital stimuli such as screen time, social‑media platforms, online gambling and digital pornography. The latest episode of the podcast “Hablemos de Adicciones” cites the National Drugs Plan, noting that about 20 % of young Spaniards describe problematic internet or social‑media use, while studies show many first encounter pornographic material before age 13 and that online gambling is especially popular among young men.

Clinicians report a sharp rise in temporary disability claims for mental‑health issues among people aged 16‑35. They link excessive screen and social‑media use to anxiety, chronic stress, depression and a “false companionship” that deepens social isolation. Experts explain that each notification, bet, video or sexual content triggers dopamine pathways similar to those of traditional addictions, potentially leading to compulsive behavior, lowered self‑esteem and difficulty coping with real‑world challenges. While the International Classification of Diseases recognizes gambling and gaming disorders, it does not yet classify broader internet or screen addiction, leaving many sufferers without a formal diagnosis.