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.
Here's the kicker: While concerns about screen time and gaming addiction are valid, the story doesn't end there. Video games, a ubiquitous part of modern life, have evolved into vast social ecosystems. They're not just about solitary play; they're about communities, collaboration, and shared experiences. But here's where it gets controversial: can these digital worlds truly foster meaningful connections, or do they merely mask deeper feelings of loneliness? And this is the part most people miss: the impact of gaming on our physical, mental, and social health is far from black and white.
On Wednesday, January 14th, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 5:15 PM CET, we invite you to a virtual gathering that goes beyond the headlines. Led by the WHO's Frontier Technologies and AI Unit, in collaboration with the WHO social connection team, this webinar aims to:
- Uncover hidden truths: Explore the latest research from WHO on social connection and the role of digital technologies, including video games, in shaping our social fabric.
- Challenge assumptions: Examine how social health, often overlooked, is just as crucial as physical and mental health when considering the impact of gaming.
- Look beyond the screen: Discuss the broader public health implications of video games, from physical activity and mental well-being to the rise of gaming disorders and the influence of commercial interests.
- Chart a course for the future: Identify crucial questions, knowledge gaps, and innovative ideas for research and policy that promote healthier digital environments.
This isn't a debate with winners and losers; it's an invitation to think critically, listen actively, and engage in a nuanced conversation. We won't be providing easy answers, but we will be exploring the complexities and possibilities of digital play in the 21st century.
The WHO Commission on Social Connection's 2025 report shed light on the alarming rise of social isolation and loneliness, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of how digital technologies, including video games, contribute to or alleviate these issues. While concerns about excessive gaming are valid, the evidence regarding its impact on social connection remains inconclusive.
Efforts like the Lancet Commission's investigation into problematic internet use and the inclusion of gaming disorder in the ICD-11 demonstrate a growing recognition of the need for research. The video game industry, a global powerhouse, continues to expand, making it imperative to understand its impact on health and well-being. New technologies like virtual reality and AI further complicate the picture, offering both exciting opportunities and potential risks.
This webinar aims to bring together diverse stakeholders to explore how we can create healthier digital gaming environments. By grounding our discussion in high-quality science and evidence, we can identify strategies that maximize the benefits of gaming while mitigating potential harms. This includes population-level prevention approaches and careful consideration of the commercial forces shaping the gaming landscape.
This webinar is part of WHO's commitment to meeting people where they are, even in the digital realm. It's a step towards understanding how video games, their communities, and the industry's commercial interests intersect with social connection, health, and well-being.
So, are video games a force for good or a threat to our social fabric? The answer, like most things in life, is likely somewhere in between. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation and be part of shaping the future of digital play.
What's your take? Do you believe video games can foster genuine connection, or do they contribute to isolation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
