University of Ostrava’s DigiWELL Project Maps Digital Impact on Wellbeing

The University of Ostrava is presenting the findings of its DigiWELL project, a multidisciplinary initiative examining how digital technologies influence human health and wellbeing. The research highlights the complex relationship between technology and social policy across various demographic groups.

Led by Steriani Elavsky, the DigiWELL project has produced a diverse body of work focusing on the intersection of technology and wellbeing. Key results include a 2026 report by Juhaňák et al., developed through a collaboration between DigiWELL and Masaryk University, which specifically analyzes the impact of mobile phone bans within educational settings. Additionally, the project has explored the role of artificial intelligence, investigating both its application in research practices and how AI is perceived by children and adolescents.

The Digital Spectrum

This research arrives as educational institutions and healthcare providers struggle to balance the benefits of connectivity with the risks of digital distraction and dependency. By studying both the restriction of technology—such as the removal of phones from classrooms—and the adoption of advanced tools like AI, the University of Ostrava is mapping the boundaries of digital wellbeing. The project's multidisciplinary approach allows it to analyze these trends not just as technical shifts, but as social and psychological transitions.

Industry and Social Implications

The findings provide critical empirical data for policymakers and educators. The research into mobile phone bans offers an evidence-based look at whether removing devices improves learning outcomes or social cohesion in schools. Simultaneously, the project's focus on AI perceptions among youth suggests that the next generation's relationship with automation will fundamentally reshape how health and wellbeing are managed. For the broader tech industry, these results underscore a growing demand for "wellbeing-by-design," where tools are developed to support rather than disrupt human health.

Future Directions

As DigiWELL continues to present its results, the focus is expected to shift toward long-term longitudinal data on AI integration. While the project has established a baseline for how AI is perceived by younger populations, the long-term effects of these technologies on mental health remain a primary area for further study. Observers will be watching for further collaborations between the University of Ostrava and other academic institutions to scale these findings into national digital health policies.