Discussing the role of football in combatting digital addiction at Future House in Davos
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
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UEFA has outlined how football can foster increased human connection in the midst of a digital addiction crisis as part of a panel discussion organised by Human Change at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
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The panel, Connection vs Connectivity: Tackling the Loneliness Epidemic, explored how digital addiction is leading to decreased attention spans, slower development of social skills and lower levels of physical activity.
Michele Uva, UEFA's director of social and environmental sustainability, and four other speakers discussed the importance of genuine human connection and suggested ways to put face-to-face interaction back at the centre of our lives – including football.
Connection vs Connectivity panel
Chris McKenna – founder & CEO, Protect Young Eyes (Moderator)
Gaia Bernstein – professor, Seton Hall University School of Law
Dr. Mitch Prinstein – chief psychology officer, American Psychological Association
Dr. Phil McRae – educator & scholar
Michele Uva – social & environmental sustainability director, UEFA
Collaborating to create change
Since 2023 we have worked alongside Human Change, a global advocacy campaign aiming to raise awareness and combat the impact of social media, digital devices and AI exposure on the development of young people.
The panel discussion at Future House – a space bringing together leaders from around the world to tackle the most pressing issues for the future of technology – explored football's incredible power to generate societal change and the responsibility to use its platform to inform and spread the right message.
Football as an antidote
We believe that football is a great tool for combatting the excessive use of digital devices. Engaging in a regular physical activity can significantly enhance social interactions, fostering friendships and teamwork skills. It provides a positive and productive way to spend time, helping to develop discipline, resilience and a sense of achievement.
Physical activity can also improve mental well-being by reducing stress and anxiety, boosting mood and enhancing cognitive function. More practically, while playing football, using phones or electronic devices is almost impossible, which naturally limits screen time and encourages more direct, face-to-face interactions.
UEFA's sustainability commitment
Our sustainability strategy, Strength through Unity, includes policies on health and well-being and guidelines for national associations, leagues and clubs to address digital addiction and mental health.
As European football's governing body, we are always working towards a more sustainable future for our sport, and the 2023/24 Respect Report provides a comprehensive overview of the strides we took towards this goal last season.