The primary objective of 'OFFLINE' was to counter the risks of digital hyper-connection by promoting psycho-physical well-being and a critical approach to media. Specifically, the project aimed to: 1 Provide multidisciplinary tools to trainers: by transferring skills in Design Thinking, Mindfulness, and Social Counseling to manage digital distress and foster professional empowerment. 2 Develop practical Digital Detox solutions: creating concrete strategies presented during the final conference to stakeholders and educators. 3 Raise awareness among vulnerable targets: implementing initiatives in Italy and Slovenia aimed at reducing social media dependency by stimulating empathy and real-life 'offline' relationships. 4 Validate a scientific support model: defining a structured pathway consisting of three phases: awareness, action, and maintenance. Consequently, the project has strengthened the capacity of partner organisations to operate transnationally, producing scalable resources for adult education at the European level.
The project was established to address the urgent need to promote a critical approach to digital tools and prevent the psycho-physical distress related to hyper-connection, a phenomenon that escalated drastically in the post-pandemic era. Our analysis revealed that individuals spend an average of 8 hours per day online; such overexposure has led to a decline in psychological well-being and the onset of addiction, aggression, and social isolation, affecting 61% of adults aged 30 to 50, with a higher prevalence among women. The project met the specific needs of trainers and educators (target groups) and partner organisations through: Methodological Innovation: the need to acquire tools to identify at-risk individuals and manage hyper-connection. Internationalisation: the requirement to exchange best practices and improve project management, particularly for newcomer partners. Professional Development: the necessity for staff to acquire multidisciplinary skills to promote healthy lifestyles and enhance the quality of educational interventions. We addressed these needs by integrating Mindfulness, Design Thinking, and the exchange of best practices, while promoting civic engagement and European values of inclusion.