About the EXCHANGE
A key aim of the project is to build digital agency among young people. By raising awareness and fostering critical thinking, participants will be empowered to take back control over their relationship with technology. Instead of automatically reaching for their “glowing rectangles,” they will learn to make conscious, intentional choices about their digital behavior.
The project also introduces practices of digital detox and mindfulness. Through guided activities, participants will experience the benefits of disconnecting from screens and reconnecting with themselves and their surroundings. Offline tools, such as outdoor Forest Power Cards (“Forest Meditations”), will be used to strengthen authentic peer connections, support stress management, and encourage presence in the “here and now.”
In today’s digitally saturated world, young people are increasingly exposed to technologies that shape not only their habits, but also their physical and mental well-being. This project explores the impact of technology on the body and mind, with a particular focus on how app algorithms are designed to trigger dopamine-driven feedback loops, encouraging prolonged and often unconscious smartphone use. Participants will reflect on how these patterns influence their health, including issues such as “text neck,” sensory overload, and closed body posture.
Main Objectives:
Understanding the impact of technology on body and mind.
Raising participants’ awareness of how app algorithms trigger dopamine loops and how excessive smartphone use affects physical health (e.g., „text neck”, sensory overload, closed body posture).
Building digital agency.
Experiencing digital detox and mindfulness.
Promoting offline tools (such as the outdoor Forest Power Cards “Forest Meditations”) to build authentic peer connections, manage stress, and stay grounded in the „here and now” away from screens.
Shaping conscious creators.
Transforming participants from passive content consumers into active creators who can intentionally use visual tools (photography, video, social media) to break cultural barriers, share positive narratives, and promote social inclusion
For this project we are looking for partner organizations fulfilling the following criteria:
- being an NGO or public institution registered in one the Erasmus+ Programme countries
- experienced in working with youth and organizing activities based on non-formal education
- having previous experience in working with youth at risk
- committed to selecting and preparing 4 representatives (age 18 – 30) and one leader (no age limit) who will join the exchange (17 – 24 April, 2026 in Puck, Poland)
„Funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author or authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Foundation for the Development of the Education System. Neither the European Union nor the Foundation for the Development of the Education System can be held responsible for them.
