Are you ready to break free from the grips of social media and experience life without screens for 30 days? In his thought-provoking book, Libremente Verónica, writer and film director Fernando Muraca challenges teenagers to disconnect from social networks and rediscover real-life interactions. This experiment, inspired by the story of a 14-year-old girl named Veronica, sheds light on the impact of social media addiction and the benefits of unplugging.
Exploring Libremente Verónica:
Muraca’s book follows Veronica’s journey as she navigates friendships, crushes, and everyday challenges without the distractions of social media. Divided into 30 chapters representing 30 days, the book serves as a valuable teaching tool for educators looking to engage students in discussions about the virtual world versus real-life connections.
30,000 Teens, 100 Challengers:
Muraca invited over 30,000 teenagers to participate in the social media detox challenge, with only a hundred successfully completing the 30-day experiment. These “sentinels of tomorrow” gained autonomy and a newfound appreciation for real-life connections, highlighting the dangers of social media addiction.
Unplugging for 30 Days:
While the first two weeks without social media may be challenging, the benefits become evident in the third week. Participants reported a decrease in psychological pressure, a greater value for interpersonal relationships, and the discovery of hidden talents previously overshadowed by virtual distractions.
Parent-Child Technology Pact:
Muraca emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and guidelines for technology use within families. By establishing rules like no phones at the table, parents and children can create a healthy balance between screen time and real-life experiences.
Inspired by Personal Experience:
Muraca’s personal experience with his children’s technology usage led him to write Libremente Verónica as a reminder of the unique creativity and diversity that lies within each individual. The novel serves as a call to reclaim one’s identity and break free from the confines of social media.