Session
Organizer 1: Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Organizer 2: Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Organizer 3: Civil Society, African Group
Organizer 4: Civil Society, African Group
Organizer 5: Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group
Organizer 2: Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Organizer 3: Civil Society, African Group
Organizer 4: Civil Society, African Group
Organizer 5: Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 1: Rafael Ramires Baptista, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 2: Silva Tarcizio, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 3: Jannat Roshatey, Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 4: Millenium Anthony, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 5: kuruthumu kasenya, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 6: Igor José Da Silva Araújo , Intergovernmental Organization, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 2: Silva Tarcizio, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 3: Jannat Roshatey, Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 4: Millenium Anthony, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 5: kuruthumu kasenya, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 6: Igor José Da Silva Araújo , Intergovernmental Organization, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Format
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: The round table format is particularly suited for this session as it promotes an open, intimate, and inclusive environment for discussion on the central topic. The 90-minute session is designed to encourage active engagement and the exchange of diverse perspectives, allowing panelists and attendees to engage in a deep reflection on the complexities of digital addiction and its related risks, such as cybersecurity threats and mental health challenges. Furthermore, the round table setup facilitates seamless interaction between both onsite and online participants, fostering a collaborative atmosphere where all voices can contribute to developing practical solutions for mitigating the harms of screen dependency.
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: The round table format is particularly suited for this session as it promotes an open, intimate, and inclusive environment for discussion on the central topic. The 90-minute session is designed to encourage active engagement and the exchange of diverse perspectives, allowing panelists and attendees to engage in a deep reflection on the complexities of digital addiction and its related risks, such as cybersecurity threats and mental health challenges. Furthermore, the round table setup facilitates seamless interaction between both onsite and online participants, fostering a collaborative atmosphere where all voices can contribute to developing practical solutions for mitigating the harms of screen dependency.
Policy Question(s)
A. How can public policies promote technological innovation while ensuring the protection of individuals from screen addiction, digital vulnerabilities, and cybersecurity risks?
B. What measures can be implemented to mitigate algorithmic harm, ensure fair and transparent AI-driven recommendations, and address the potential mental health impacts they may cause?
C. What policies can be developed to mitigate the mental health impacts of excessive screen exposure, particularly among children and adolescents?
What will participants gain from attending this session? From its title, the session establishes a direct dialogue with the audience. The goal is to provide an interactive experience based on updated research, case studies based on real-life experiences and innovative ideas that encourage participants to reflect on their own relationship with screens and digital devices. More than just recognizing digital dependency as a growing phenomenon, the session will highlight a fundamental issue: the more time we spend online, the more exposed we become to vulnerabilities — ranging from mental health impacts to risks related to cybersecurity and algorithmic harm. In addition to deepening the understanding of these challenges, the session will create a space for exchange between experts and the audience, allowing participants to gain practical knowledge applicable to their daily lives. Strategies for a more balanced use of digital technologies will be discussed, along with recommendations to reduce both individual and collective risks, fostering healthier digital habits.
Description:
This session will explore the impact of excessive digital device use in contemporary society. Constant screen exposure has become an integral part of daily life worldwide, radically transforming communication, work, and leisure patterns. However, it has also raised significant concerns about digital dependency, personal data security, and psychosocial vulnerabilities. The session will address the social determinants of these impacts, including algorithmic discrimination embedded in various technologies. Through an interactive discussion led by multidisciplinary and multistakeholder experts, this session will provide well-founded perspectives on how screen addiction affects cognitive development, interpersonal relationships, and mental health, while also influencing individual cybersecurity. Innovative research and practical initiatives will be presented, aiming to balance the benefits of digital technologies while mitigating their risks, with a focus on reducing algorithmic harm caused by digital platforms. The session seeks to foster a constructive dialogue among third-sector professionals, educators, technology developers, and policymakers to develop integrated approaches that promote healthy digital habits and strengthen resilience against online vulnerabilities.
This session will explore the impact of excessive digital device use in contemporary society. Constant screen exposure has become an integral part of daily life worldwide, radically transforming communication, work, and leisure patterns. However, it has also raised significant concerns about digital dependency, personal data security, and psychosocial vulnerabilities. The session will address the social determinants of these impacts, including algorithmic discrimination embedded in various technologies. Through an interactive discussion led by multidisciplinary and multistakeholder experts, this session will provide well-founded perspectives on how screen addiction affects cognitive development, interpersonal relationships, and mental health, while also influencing individual cybersecurity. Innovative research and practical initiatives will be presented, aiming to balance the benefits of digital technologies while mitigating their risks, with a focus on reducing algorithmic harm caused by digital platforms. The session seeks to foster a constructive dialogue among third-sector professionals, educators, technology developers, and policymakers to develop integrated approaches that promote healthy digital habits and strengthen resilience against online vulnerabilities.
Expected Outcomes
- Increase awareness on the impact of technology use on mental health, cybersecurity and digital vulnerabilities;
- Multistakeholder collaboration to develop integrated solutions for mitigating digital risks and promoting innovation;
- Practical strategies for balancing digital benefits with risk reduction;
- Policy recommendations to address the mental health impacts of screen exposure, especially for children and adolescents;
- A summary report highlighting key takeaways, best practices and next steps.
Hybrid Format: To ensure meaningful engagement for both online and onsite participants, the session will:
- Have a dedicated moderator to facilitate a balanced discussion;
- Use live-streaming and interactive Q&A platforms such Quizizz and/or Mentimeter for audience polls and real-time feedback;
- Jitsi Meet or Zoom for virtual participation and engagement;
- Incorporate breakout rooms for smaller, focused discussions;
- Social media platforms (X, Bluesky, LinkedIn, Instagram) to amplify discussions and connect with a wider audience.