In an age where scrolling endlessly through social media feels second nature, the Your Time-wasting Life on Social Media and its Business Opportunities Inside project—known as SM4B—challenged young people to rethink their digital habits. Supported by the Erasmus+ programme and running from December 2023 to May 2025, this small-scale partnership united organisations from three European countries to transform what often feels like “time wasted online” into valuable skills for employability, entrepreneurship, and well-being.
From Digital Distraction to Digital Empowerment
Social media addiction is one of the defining issues of our time—especially among youth aged 15 to 30. Studies show that 84% of people aged 18–29 use social media daily, often for hours at a time. While online platforms offer entertainment and connection, excessive use has been linked to procrastination, anxiety, and reduced focus.
Recognising this growing problem, the SM4B project targeted not only general users but also marginalised youth—including young people in state care, migrants, and disadvantaged women. The goal was to turn dependency on social media into digital literacy and business opportunity.
Through innovative, non-formal learning activities, the project encouraged participants to use social media as a tool for empowerment rather than distraction.
A New Way to Learn—and Earn
The main objective of SM4B was to equip young people with the skills and mindset to harness social media for personal and professional growth. Participants learned how to use platforms strategically—for content creation, influencer marketing, online education, and sustainable entrepreneurship.
Workshops and online communities provided space for hands-on learning. Participants explored real-world digital business models, improved their communication skills, and reflected on the mental health impact of excessive screen time. The project also made inclusion a top priority—ensuring underrepresented groups had equal access to digital training and mentorship opportunities.
By the end of the project, many participants viewed social media not as a trap but as a launchpad for creativity, connection, and career development.
Implementation: Learning Through Experience
SM4B delivered an impressive range of activities aimed at long-term impact.
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A training framework was created, collecting 15 examples of good practice in influencer marketing, e-commerce, and online learning.
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46 interviews with young people, youth workers, and experts helped map out key digital skill gaps.
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A WhatsApp-based learning community (originally on Discord) connected 60 young participants for peer-to-peer learning.
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18 SEO-optimised blog posts and 15 instructional guides provided ongoing online learning materials.
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Local trainings reached 65 young people, while 31 participants completed pilot workshops and earned YouthPass certificates.
In addition, the project produced 21 educational songs in four languages and created self-assessment cards to help learners track their progress. Its website—socialmediabiz.eu—and social channels continue to share tools, stories, and digital opportunities.
Results That Last Beyond the Project
By the project’s conclusion, 96 young people had gained tangible digital skills for entrepreneurship and employability. A five-unit training framework on social media management and responsible online behaviour remains freely accessible for future learners.
Sustainability was built into every stage: materials were translated, a strong online presence was established, and community engagement continues through LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and other channels. The partners also released a 40-page final report summarising good practices, interviews, and guidelines for youth workers across Europe.
Empowering the Next Generation of Digital Entrepreneurs
SM4B proved that social media can be more than a distraction—it can be a gateway to creativity, collaboration, and self-employment. By turning everyday online behaviour into an opportunity for growth, the project has left a lasting mark on digital youth work across Europe.
EU Grant: €60,000 | Programme: Erasmus+ | Project Reference: 2023-1-PL01-KA210-YOU-000159357
Website: socialmediabiz.eu
