Hanoi Vargas Warns in New York About Problematic Technology Use
Dominican psychologist Hanoi Vargas spoke in New York about how digital platforms affect mental health, especially among teenagers.
Key points
- Vargas gave a lecture at the 13th anniversary of Revista Prevención NY on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
- He explained that the risk depends not only on screen time, but on algorithmic recommendation systems.
- He paid special attention to adolescents, due to their stage of development.
- He received an award from the Fundación de Prevención de Adicciones y Violencia Doméstica NY Carlos Martínez, Inc.
Dominican clinical psychologist Hanoi Vargas spoke as a keynote speaker at the 13th anniversary celebration of Revista Prevención NY, held Saturday, October 24, 2026, in New York City. He addressed the psychological impact of technology on mental health.
The event took place at the Dirección de Cultura Dominicana in New York, in Manhattan, and brought together professionals, community leaders and special guests for a gathering focused on prevention, health and community service.
According to a press release, Vargas explained how certain patterns of interaction with digital platforms can become problematic, especially when there are difficulties controlling impulses, reward mechanisms and emotional regulation. He said the problem does not depend only on screen time, but on how some platforms use algorithmic recommendation and personalization systems to keep each user's attention.
The specialist paid special attention to adolescents, who are at a sensitive stage of development. At that stage, factors such as the pursuit of reward and social approval can increase vulnerability to certain usage patterns.
During the same event, the Fundación de Prevención de Adicciones y Violencia Doméstica NY Carlos Martínez, Inc. Presented him with an award for his work with people affected by alcohol and drug addiction, and for enhancing the name of the Dominican Republic. The award was presented by Manuel Núñez, director of Revista Prevención NY.
Vargas also took part in an interview for the program Encuentro RD en NY, broadcast by Canal América and TelemaxRD, where he discussed how fast technology is evolving, young people's dependence on devices and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence. He also spoke about the work of "Volver" with patients and families affected by addiction, including Dominicans living in the United States who receive care in the Dominican Republic.
On Sunday, October 25, Vargas brought the same topic to members of a New York fire department.
Why it matters
According to the specialist, teenagers are especially vulnerable to problematic usage patterns on digital platforms because they are at a sensitive stage of development.