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Abstract

The Internet and modern digital technologies offer numerous advantages, including ease of use, efficient information exchange, broad accessibility, and the ability to overcome geographical barriers. However, alongside these benefits, the digital environment also poses serious threats—particularly to minors. These include harmful content, cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, and involvement in illegal activities. Many such threats are carried out through manipulative techniques that influence the thinking and behaviour of underage users, often leading to depression, anxiety, internet addiction, or eating disorders. A particularly alarming consequence is the emergence of destructive behavioural patterns, such as self-harm and suicidal tendencies. Adolescents are especially vulnerable due to emotional instability, lack of life experience, underdeveloped critical thinking, and a tendency toward risk-taking. As a result, they often become targets of psychological manipulation in digital spaces. This article aims to examine the mechanisms of psychological influence on minors on the Internet and to outline the potential medical and legal consequences. The findings reveal that manipulation is often used for purposes that harm the best interests of the child and may endanger their health or even their life. Effective prevention requires an interdisciplinary approach involving technical, educational, psychological, and legal measures, with active participation from parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement‎.

Keywords: Children, Depression, Internet, Psychological influence

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