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Detoxing Ourselves Online, Unleashing Creativity for Mental Health

2025-3-TR01-KA152-YOU-0003796122025Mobility of young peopleongoing
Countries: TR|ES|PT|DE|DK · Grant: €34,040
Creativity, arts and culturePhysical and mental health, well-beingDigital skills and competences

Objectives

In today’s Europe, young people are navigating unprecedented levels of digital exposure and dependency, which directly impacts their mental health, social interactions, and overall wellbeing. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that problematic social media use among adolescents rose from 7% in 2018 to 11% in 2022, reflecting a steep increase within just four years. Furthermore, 37% of young people spend more than three hours per day on social media, while nearly 47% report experiencing depression symptoms and 53% struggle with anxiety-related conditions. These statistics illustrate not only a widespread challenge but also a pressing need for structured interventions that can help young people manage their digital consumption in healthier and more balanced ways. Research shows that digital overload does not only consume time but also reduces creativity and the ability to engage in offline, meaningful experiences. Young people who spend extended hours in front of screens often report lower attention spans, diminished creative thinking, and difficulties in maintaining motivation in academic or personal development contexts. In contrast, studies on digital detox initiatives have demonstrated significant benefits: a two-week detox period can lead to a 20–25% reduction in self-reported anxiety and depressive symptoms, alongside measurable increases in concentration and creativity. This shows the need to create structured opportunities where young people can step away from the pressures of online environments and rediscover their potential through active, creative engagement. The project is designed to respond to these needs by placing creativity at the heart of youth wellbeing. Creativity is not only an artistic skill but also a powerful tool for emotional regulation, identity-building, and resilience. According to the European Commission’s “Creative Europe” policy framework, access to artistic and cultural practices enhances problem-solving, empathy, and self-confidence in young people. In fact, Eurobarometer surveys indicate that 72% of young Europeans believe creative activities are essential for personal development, while 64% see them as crucial for mental health. Despite this, access to inclusive creative spaces remains limited, especially for young people facing socio-economic barriers, rural isolation, or fewer opportunities. The need for creativity as a coping mechanism becomes even more urgent when considering the long-term consequences of digital dependency. Overexposure to online platforms can narrow young people’s perspectives and reduce their capacity for self-expression to predefined digital templates. Through art forms such as theatre, music, and dance, young people can experiment with self-expression, release emotions, and cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and others. These approaches are supported by psychological research showing that participation in structured creative activities can reduce cortisol levels (a key stress hormone) and boost endorphin release, creating long-lasting effects on emotional stability and resilience. General Objective: - To support young people in overcoming the negative impacts of digital dependency by fostering mental health, emotional resilience, and creativity. Specific Objectives: - To provide young people with evidence-based alternatives, such as digital detox methods, to reduce stress and anxiety linked to excessive screen time. - To increase emotional awareness and self-confidence through creativity-based workshops, ensuring that young participants gain tools for long-term mental wellbeing. - To encourage youth to establish a sustainable balance between online and offline life, developing healthy routines that promote productivity, wellbeing, and social connections. - To strengthen intercultural dialogue and solidarity by bringing together 30 participants from five European countries, creating a peer-support network that extends beyond the project. - To contribute to European-level discussions on digital health, creativity, and youth participation by disseminating the project’s results through workshops, performances, and online platforms.

Project partners (5)