Last week, we launched a vital project in Reda titled "Echo of Relationships: Preventing Digital Addiction in the Era of Artificial Empathy." As part of this initiative, all students in grades 6–8 at Reda’s primary schools will participate in a series of preventive workshops addressing digital, emotional, and behavioral addictions related to AI, social media, and technology.

The first workshop, "Logged In or Trapped? How to Avoid the Digital Spiral," focused on identifying early warning signs of screen and algorithm addiction, as well as understanding how technology influences dopamine levels and emotions. Young participants analyzed behaviors that lead to a loss of control—such as constant notifications, compulsive scrolling, and AI chatting—while learning how to set realistic boundaries for online time, recognize the emotions triggered by device use, and return to offline activities.

We did not offer ready-made solutions, as these rarely work. Instead, we worked together to establish sustainable boundaries for online time and explored ways to return to offline life with full awareness. The goal is to foster mindfulness regarding personal habits and develop self-regulation skills in a world that is constantly competing for our attention.

This project is funded by the City of Reda as part of an open call for proposals to support public tasks in the field of addiction prevention for 2026. The total funding amount is 79,800.00 PLN.