ADOLESCENTS, WELL-BEING AND MEDIA PRACTICES: ANALYSIS OF STUDENTS’ EXPERIENCES IN THE METROPOLITAN CITY OF BOLOGNA.

This article explores the evolving dynamics of adolescents’ digital media practices and their implications for socialization, identity, and well-being. The research, conducted over two years with students aged 14-19 in Bo- logna, employed a mixed-method approach to examine media habits be- fore and after the pandemic. Findings reveal increased screen time, shifts in communication toward more functional interactions, the challenges of fragmented identity across platforms and the pivotal role of group chats in peer dynamics, often amplifying misunderstandings and exclusion.