A new essay by philosopher José Antonio Marina warns about the increase of substance-free addictions among young people, a phenomenon that also affects adolescents in Mallorca.
Philosopher José Antonio Marina has published 'The Vaccine Against Addictions', an essay in which he warns of the growth of behavioural addictions —such as compulsive mobile phone use or social media— among the youth. According to the author, the root of the problem lies in the difficulty in managing desire and frustration, a void that is also detected among adolescents in Mallorca.
The inner void as a breeding ground
Marina argues that, although we have never had so many tools for communication, forms of dependency that limit freedom are increasing. The essay invites us to question what happens before addiction: what deficiencies or wounds lead a person to seek refuge in a behaviour that ultimately traps them.
On the island, associations of parents and educators have warned in recent months of an increase in cases of young people with excessive mobile phone use problems, according to sources from the Conselleria d'Educació. “It is a phenomenon that crosses all social classes,” they point out from a school in Palma.
Shared responsibility, according to the Pope
Marina's essay coincides with statements from León XIV, who has reminded us that addictions generate inner discomfort and loss of references. The Pope has urged families, educators, and institutions to support the new generations.
In Mallorca, the Foundation for the Care of Drug Dependencies has already incorporated workshops on responsible technology use in several schools. “Prevention is key,” say sources from the entity.
A vaccine against digital slavery
Marina proposes a “vaccine” based on self-knowledge and the search for a deeper meaning for existence. “The best vaccine against any slavery is discovering that we were created for something greater,” writes the philosopher.
For young people in Mallorca, the challenge is to recover screen-free leisure time. In towns like Inca or Manacor, some youth associations are already organising mobile-free weekends. “At first, they complain, but then they appreciate disconnecting,” says a monitor.
“Our heart is restless until it rests in You,” recalled Saint Augustine, a phrase that Marina uses to explain that many disordered searches arise from a deep restlessness.
The essay concludes that those who live with the certainty of having been created for something greater will be able to break the chains of dependency. A reflection that is already being debated in tutoring classes in the schools of Mallorca.
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