As the digital age has significantly changed the way we work, study and relax, the online revolution has proven to have its benefits and cons.
Because of this, young people growing up in the online era have been given the title of ‘digital natives.’
4,450 people aged 18 to 25 who fit in the students or young workers (digital native) demographic and are housed in a student or co-living residence completed the survey, with Wifirst collecting the results.
According to the study on the environmental impact of digital technology in France by ARCEP and ADEME, dated 19 January 2022, digital technology has considerable impacts on the environment and aggravates global warming.
A statistic in the survey – in the form of a 37-question online questionnaire – highlights that digital technology represents 3% to 4% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the world and 2% of the carbon footprint at the national level 2.
The survey demonstrates that not only does the widespread use of digital technology have detrimental effects environmentally, but the social implications that it can have on the intellectual development of young children can be harmful.
Digital responsibility should be taught to the next generations as a platform to inform and educate on the dangers and risks of modern technology.
Some of the results of the survey show that young people are most likely to keep on top of the upkeep and maintenance of their smartphones and other digital devices.
Wifirst is committed to digital responsibility. The survey has allowed them to evaluate the expectations of their users, and to better understand the role that digital technology plays in their daily lives in order ‘to adapt our solutions and better respond to their expectations.’
The survey aims to help Wifirst better understand the relationship between young people, digital technology and ecological and societal challenges.
Despite the negatives, digital technology has the possibility of creating endless worlds of opportunity, the possibility of training or even of saving time.
The challenge is to know whether continued internet use can go hand-in-hand with an overall reduction in our environmental and social impact.
