Feeling isolated in a digital world? The World Health Organization (WHO) is sparking a crucial conversation about the impact of digital play, like video games, on our social health. This isn't about reaching a definitive conclusion, but rather, opening a dialogue.
This upcoming webinar, titled "Social Health and Digital Play: A Conversation, Not a Conclusion," aims to delve into the complex relationship between our digital habits and our well-being. It's a chance to explore how video games and other forms of digital play influence our social connections, and the potential implications for our overall health.
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 5:15 PM CET. The event will be held virtually, offering a global platform for discussion.
Why is this important? Digital play is a massive part of modern life. Video games, in particular, have become cultural and social hubs. The WHO recognizes the need to understand how these digital spaces affect us, especially concerning social health.
What's on the agenda?
- Sharing insights from the WHO's work on social connection. What do we know about how digital technologies, including video games, impact our social lives? For example, some games can foster strong communities, while others might lead to isolation.
- Understanding social health within the broader context of overall health. How does digital play affect our physical, mental, and social well-being?
- Examining the public health implications of video games. This includes physical activity levels, mental health, the potential for gaming disorders, and the influence of commercial interests.
- Identifying key questions, gaps in our knowledge, and ideas for future research and policy. The goal is to pave the way for healthier digital environments.
The webinar is organized by the WHO’s Frontier Technologies and AI Unit, with support from the WHO social connection team. They're bringing together global perspectives to highlight the importance of social connection as a key factor in our health.
But here's where it gets controversial... The WHO's approach isn't about simply condemning or celebrating video games. It's about a nuanced understanding. The webinar is an invitation to listen, learn, and consider different perspectives on how to create healthier digital environments. It's not about finding definitive answers, but about exploring the implications of the existing and emerging evidence on digital play.
Background Check: In June 2025, the WHO Commission on Social Connection released a landmark report highlighting social isolation and loneliness as significant public health issues. The report also noted that while there's growing concern about digital technologies and loneliness, the evidence on the impact of these technologies, including video games, is still limited and mixed. This webinar aims to contribute to this evolving understanding.
And this is the part most people miss... Video games represent a massive global industry. New technologies like virtual reality and artificial intelligence are adding further layers of complexity. The webinar will explore how different stakeholders can help us understand how people can engage with digital video games in a way that promotes health, maximizing the benefits and reducing the risks.
This initiative is part of the WHO's broader effort to understand how video games, their communities, and the commercial interests of the industry intersect with social connection. The aim is to understand how these factors affect our health and well-being, and what this means for future approaches to health and the creation of healthy digital environments.
What do you think? Are you optimistic or concerned about the impact of digital play on social connection? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
