Adolescent flirting analysis of the phenomenon and its contemporary form

Abstract

Introduction: The article aims to present the phenomenon of adolescent flirting, with particular emphasis on the context of contemporary cultural challenges. The article is a review, based on domestic and foreign literature. A closer acquaintance with the flit phenomenon may help understanding the social functioning of adolescents and thus may be helpful in creating preventive and intervention programs for young people. Analysis: The analysis of the phenomenon begins with the presentation of two ways of defining the phenomenon, in the biological and philosophical sciences. The reasons why people flirt can be found within the theoryof evolution as well as the theory of human psychosexual development. The impact of social norms on the perception of behaviours that we attribute to this phenomenon was discussed. The undertaken flirtation strategies were distinguished according to gender and sexual orientation. The concept of five styles of flirting wasintroduced: traditional, physical, sincere, fun and polite (Hall et al., 2010). Conclusions: The Internet and forced isolation related to the outbreak of the COVID-19pandemic have significantly influenced adolescent flirting. The digital reality for young people is as real as the material reality. Accordingly, romantic life takes placeusing new technologies. Universal signs and scripts for communicating interest are changing. For adolescents these days, sending a love letter will be less accessiblethan, for example, deepliking. There are also threats in the digital world of teenage romantic relationships, such as feeling FOMO and its consequences, or experiencingonline sexual abuse.