What is the interaction between adolescents from different cultures and the Spanish?

The openness and cultural diversity of Spain facilitate the integration of adolescents from other cultures and the use of social networks as a connection tool.

Authors: Team of young reporters from CEMU

June 2023. Technology has become an integral part of modern life and has changed the way people interact with each other and the world around them. This is especially true for teenagers, who have grown up in an era where electronic devices and connectivity are ubiquitous. However, the impact of technology on adolescents varies depending on their culture, since each education has its own beliefs and values ​​about the use of technology. In this article, we will explore how adolescents from different cultures use technology, the challenges they face and the benefits they obtain from its use, for this we have obtained information from adolescents from different backgrounds at CEMU.

In general, teenagers from other countries find it easy to relate to Spaniards due to the open and welcoming nature of the Spanish idiosyncrasy, which values ​​friendship and human connection.

The variety of cultures and languages ​​in Spain promotes tolerance and respect for cultural differences, which makes it easier for adolescents to integrate into Spanish society. In addition, social networks are an important tool for adolescents from different cultures in Spain to communicate and connect, since they are widely used. However, it is important that adolescents respect social norms and expectations when using social networks to avoid offending other people and build healthy friendships. Although each town, each community, has its own social norms and behaviors, adolescents can enjoy successful intercultural relationships in Spain thanks to the openness and tolerance of Spanish society and the responsible use of social networks.

The most popular social media apps among teens are Instagram, Tiktok, Twitch, Twitter, Youtube, among others, they are widely used by youngsters all over the world, regardless of their cultural background. However, some teens from other places may prefer other apps that are more popular in their home country or better suited to their needs and preferences. In any case, the use of technology is a powerful tool to connect and communicate with others, and the applications that adolescents use depend more on their own preferences and needs than on their cultural background.

According to CEMU adolescents, it is observed that a high percentage, 77%, of students from other countries choose to search the Internet in Spanish instead of using their native language. In addition, they describe their social networks with terms such as «addictive, good, entertaining, interesting, among others.» These results show the preference of adolescents for the Spanish language and reveal the positive influence they perceive in social networks, considering them a source of entertainment and interest.

Social networks are a source of entertainment, regardless of the cultural background of young people. Through these platforms, they can access a large amount of multimedia content such as: videos, images, and memes, which provide them with a way to relax and have fun after school or extracurricular responsibilities. They also use social networks to follow their favorite influencers or artists, and to discover new interests, from video games to music or sports. In short, social networks have become an important channel of entertainment for young people around the world, and the content they share and consume reflects their personal interests and preferences.

Social networks are also an important source of information for adolescents from other cultures living in Spain. Through these platforms, they can keep up with news and events happening in their home countries, as well as other places around the world. Social networks offer a fast and accessible way to access news and reports, and many media outlets use these platforms to disseminate their content to a global audience. In addition, teens can connect with friends and family in their home country through social media, allowing them to share information and stay up to date on what’s happening in their country.

For many teenagers, social networks are an integral part of their daily life, and they describe it in different ways. Some may define them as addictive, as they may feel a need to constantly stay connected and check their profiles and posts. However, others may describe social media as a good thing, as it gives them the opportunity to connect with friends and family, discover new interests, and stay informed about what’s happening in the world. In short, social networks can be seen in different ways by adolescents, depending on their own experiences and perceptions.

In conclusion, social networks are a powerful tool that teenagers from other cultures in Spain use to connect, communicate, learn, and entertain themselves. Through these platforms, teens can keep in touch with friends and family back home, as well as make new friends and discover new interests. Social media also gives them a quick and accessible way to access news and features, and to keep up with what’s happening around the world. Although some people may describe social media as addictive, for many teens it is a useful and entertaining tool for navigating the digital world. Ultimately, the use of social media among teens from different cultures reflects the ways in which technology is transforming our lives, and how teens are embracing these new tools to connect with and learn more about the world around them.