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Communication

Communication

 

25 January 2026

 

Today I connect two developments that at first sight seem unrelated.

 

1. Young people, smartphones and social media

In England, concrete steps are now being taken to restrict the use of smartphones and social media by young people. In doing so, the country is following Australia's example (Facebook, 2026). Given the many problems young people are facing today, this is not so much surprising as it is long overdue. The real question is: who will follow next, and when will we?

 

It is becoming increasingly plausible that excessive screen use is harmful to brain development and to the psychosocial well-being of young people. Yet we continue to hesitate collectively when it comes to introducing a consistent policy in this area. In the meantime, an entire generation is growing up in a digital ecosystem primarily designed around attention, stimulation and commercial interests.

 

2. The Minister of Finance and the General Audit Chamber

The second issue also relates to the internet and social media, but from an institutional perspective. The Minister of Finance has publicly pointed out alleged shortcomings in a report by the General Audit Chamber (ARC) on the 2023 annual accounts (Curaçao.nu, 2026a). He reacted fiercely and even instructed the ARC to withdraw its report.

 

This is not the first time this has happened; his predecessor previously attempted to have an Audit Chamber report withdrawn as well (Curaçao.nu, n.d.). In itself, substantive criticism of a supervisory body is not unusual. The problem lies in the manner in which this is done: publicly, via social media, personally and in an escalating tone.

 

The same applies to the discussion that then arises about the minister’s reaction and the way in which he personally enters the fray on Facebook. The debate thus shifts away from substance and institutions toward personalities and emotions.

 

Erosion of institutions

What becomes visible here, in essence, is a broader development: the erosion of authority and trust in institutions and high councils of state. I am not particularly fond of the word “respect,” but that is in fact what is missing here.

 

These institutions form the pillars of the democratic constitutional state. When they are structurally attacked or delegitimized, what ultimately remains is only a direct relationship between the politician and the people. Checks and balances are then framed as counter-power, as obstacles to the will of the people.

 

That is the core of populism, and only one step removed from authoritarian and even fascist tendencies. Analysts have been signaling this development for some time now in the United States.

The question is, therefore, unavoidable: is this really the path we want to take here on Curaçao?


Miguel Goede

 

Sources (APA)

Facebook. (2026). Post about smartphone and social media policy for young people in England [Photo].https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1312634810894769&set=a.631632168995040

 

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© Miguel Goede, 2024
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