Treaty of Middelburg
I would like to see freedom redefined in the digital age, ensuring that young people can reclaim control over their attention, their connections, and their sense of purpose. One of the biggest barriers to freedom today is the infinite-scroll design of social media, which keeps people passively consuming rather than actively engaging in life. We need stronger digital well-being initiatives that allow users to set limits, disable endless scrolling features, and regain autonomy over their time. This could include regulations that require platforms like YouTube and TikTok to offer features that disable autoplay, cap short-form content consumption, or introduce intentional stopping points. Beyond the digital space, I believe we need more opportunities for real-life connection and community building, places where young people can meet, collaborate, and support one another outside of online spaces. A big step towards this is creating local, grassroots initiatives where people can easily find and participate in real-world activities. With Maastricht Explorers, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is to have a community hub where people can share events, meet up, and form meaningful relationships. I’d love to see more cities implementing structured, easily accessible local groups that foster in-person social interactions and help young people break out of digital isolation. Ultimately, freedom is about having the ability to think critically, engage meaningfully, and design a life with purpose. To make this a reality, we must reclaim control over our digital environments, foster spaces for in-person connection, and ensure that young people have the autonomy to shape their own futures, free from the constraints of infinite distractions and isolation.
Team members
- ■ Sophie Wucherer
Why do you want to participate?
I want to participate in the Youth Freedom Treaty initiative because I believe in taking action to create meaningful change. As someone passionate about leadership, innovation, and building communities, I am eager to contribute to discussions on freedom, responsibility, and the future of society. Through my experiences founding and leading initiatives like Maastricht Explorers and Book Lovers, I’ve seen firsthand how fostering dialogue, shared values, and real-world action can empower individuals and shape stronger, more connected communities. I want to engage with like-minded individuals, exchange perspectives, and explore how freedom and responsibility intersect in today’s world, especially in the digital age, AI ethics, and policymaking!
What does freedom mean to you?
To me, freedom is the ability to live intentionally, make independent choices, and shape our own paths, while also recognising the responsibility that comes with it. True freedom isn’t just about doing what we want, it’s about aligning our actions with our values, contributing to something greater, and ensuring that others also have the same opportunities. In the digital age, freedom means having the ability to think critically, disconnect from distractions, and engage in deep work, rather than being passively influenced. Inspired by concepts from “Digital Minimalism” and “The Anxious Generation”, I believe we must actively design technology and systems that enhance our freedom rather than diminish it, ensuring that we remain in control of our decisions rather than being shaped by external forces. Freedom also means having a voice in decisions that shape our lives, whether through voting, participating in civic discussions, or advocating for change in the systems that govern us. It is not just an individual privilege but a collective effort, one where we create a society that values education, access to opportunities, personal autonomy, and meaningful human connection. True freedom comes when we not only claim our rights but also take responsibility for shaping a better future for everyone!
What are the biggest challenges?
One of the biggest challenges regarding freedom for young people today is the erosion of critical thinking due to the overwhelming influence of social media and digital content. From an early age, we are exposed to constant information overload, algorithm-driven doomscrolling, and attention-fragmenting platforms that make it harder to develop independent thought. Instead of engaging in deep reflection and meaningful learning, many young people are passively consuming content, shaped by external narratives rather than forming their own perspectives. Another major challenge is the decline of in-person connections. While digital tools provide convenience, they have also contributed to a sense of detachment, loneliness, and social isolation. Many young people find it harder to form genuine, meaningful relationships in real life, leading to increased feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and even depression. As highlighted in The Anxious Generation, the shift towards online interactions has created a world where people are connected digitally but disconnected emotionally, making it more difficult to build strong communities, support systems, and a sense of belonging. Additionally, many young people struggle with a loss of purpose. With the rapid changes in technology, societal expectations, and career landscapes, it can feel overwhelming to navigate life, find meaningful work, and create a sense of direction. The pressure to constantly perform, achieve, and compare ourselves to curated online standards often leads to burnout, self-doubt, and uncertainty about the future. True freedom means having the ability to think critically, form meaningful connections, and build a life with purpose. The challenge today is to reclaim agency over our minds, our relationships, and our futures, by fostering digital awareness, prioritising real-world interactions, and ensuring young people have access to the tools and opportunities that allow them to shape their own paths!
Do you have a message?
Take action. Do it now. The world doesn’t change through passive observation, it changes when people take ownership of their lives, make bold decisions, and commit to action. If you want something to exist, create it. If you want a change, be the one to start it. Embrace amor fati, love your fate, even the challenges. Growth comes from leaning into discomfort, learning from setbacks, and turning obstacles into opportunities. Instead of waiting for the perfect moment, start where you are with what you have. Connect with people. Real freedom isn’t about going through life alone, it’s about building meaningful relationships, learning from others, and creating something greater than yourself. In a world that increasingly pushes us towards isolation and digital escapism, make an effort to meet people, engage deeply, and foster real-world communities. Finally, think critically and help others. Don’t just accept things as they are, ask questions, challenge narratives, and seek truth beyond what’s algorithmically fed to you. And as you grow, lift others up. The best way to create a better world is to empower the people around you. Be intentional. Take ownership. Build. Connect. Give back.
