The digital age has brought about many benefits and conveniences, but it has also raised concerns about its impact on mental health, especially among young people. With the rise of internet addiction and problematic online behaviors, it has become crucial to address these issues and find ways to promote healthier internet use. In response to this growing concern, a pioneering European project called BootStRaP has been launched, involving 22 universities from 14 countries to mitigate the negative impact of digitalization on the mental health of young people through smart applications.
According to estimates, 10-17% of the world’s population is affected by problematic internet use, which can manifest in various forms such as gaming disorder, gambling disorder, and compulsive sexual behavior disorder. These issues not only affect individuals but also have repercussions on their families and communities. Recognizing the need to address these challenges, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized these disorders as mental health conditions.
The BootStRaP project aims to support parents, caregivers, teachers, and healthcare professionals in identifying the risks of problematic internet use and understanding the dangers it poses. By developing a mobile application that monitors the online activities and habits of young people, researchers hope to gain insights into how internet use impacts their well-being. Importantly, young people themselves will be directly involved in the development of the application and the research process, ensuring that their perspectives are taken into account.
In Hungary, researchers from the Faculty of Education and Psychology at ELTE are actively participating in the project, collaborating with schools and students to gather data on internet usage patterns and their effects on mental health. By involving thousands of teenagers across Europe, the project aims to formulate guidelines for healthier internet use and identify behavioral changes that can reduce risks and prevent the development of problematic internet use.
The ultimate goal of the BootStRaP project is to formulate global policy recommendations based on solid scientific evidence to address problematic internet use. By bringing together experts from various disciplines and countries, the project seeks to create a comprehensive approach to promoting healthy internet use among young people. In Hungary, researchers from ELTE’s Institute of Psychology are contributing their expertise to this important initiative, working towards developing methods that support positive online behaviors.
Supported by the Horizon Europe program, the United Kingdom’s research and innovation program, and the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research, and Innovation, the BootStRaP project represents a significant step towards addressing the mental health challenges posed by digitalization. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the project aims to make a meaningful impact on the well-being of young people in a rapidly digitalizing world.