Are video games a silent epidemic of isolation or a powerful tool for connection? The truth is far more complex than you think.
Join us for a groundbreaking webinar, Social Health and Digital Play: A Conversation, Not a Conclusion, where we delve into the fascinating and often misunderstood relationship between digital play and our well-being. But here's where it gets controversial: while concerns about gaming addiction and isolation are real, the evidence paints a nuanced picture.
Wednesday, 14 January 2026, 16:00–17:15 CET (Virtual)
Video games are no longer just child's play. They've become a global phenomenon, shaping culture and social interaction. With the World Health Organization's (WHO) new focus on social health, it's time to ask: How do these digital worlds impact our physical, mental, and social well-being? And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about potential harms, but also the surprising benefits.
This interactive webinar, hosted by WHO's Frontier Technologies and AI Unit, isn't about reaching definitive answers. Instead, it's an invitation to explore, question, and learn together. We'll:
- Uncover insights: Delve into WHO's research on social connection and the role of digital technologies, including video games.
- Broaden the perspective: Examine social health alongside physical and mental health when considering the impact of gaming.
- Look beyond the screen: Discuss the wider public health implications of video games, from physical activity to the rise of gaming disorders and the influence of the gaming industry.
- Chart the future: Identify crucial questions, knowledge gaps, and innovative ideas for research and policy development.
The WHO Commission on Social Connection's 2025 report highlighted a startling reality: social isolation and loneliness are major public health threats. While digital technologies, including video games, have been scrutinized for their potential role in this crisis, the evidence is far from clear-cut.
Other initiatives, like the Lancet Commission's investigation into problematic internet use and WHO's inclusion of gaming disorder in the ICD-11, further emphasize the need for a deeper understanding. The gaming industry, a behemoth in the digital landscape, continues to grow, fueled by advancements like virtual reality and artificial intelligence. These technologies bring both exciting possibilities and new challenges for our health and well-being.
This webinar aims to foster a dialogue grounded in scientific evidence. We'll explore how different stakeholders – researchers, policymakers, gamers themselves – can contribute to creating healthier digital environments. How can we maximize the potential benefits of gaming while mitigating risks? What can we learn from existing frameworks on commercial determinants of health and mental well-being?
This webinar is part of WHO's commitment to engaging with people where they are, even in the vast digital landscapes of online gaming. It's a chance to examine how video games, their communities, and the industry's commercial interests intersect with social connection, influencing both positively and negatively.
So, are video games a force for good or a threat to our social fabric? There's no easy answer, but this webinar promises to spark a vital conversation. Join us and be part of shaping the future of digital play and its impact on our health and well-being.
What's your take? Do you believe video games can foster genuine connections, or do they primarily contribute to isolation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
