University opens 'disconnection rooms': spaces for silence and mental well-being (away from all notifications)

©Shalom de León via Unsplash

In an era dominated by notifications, chats and endless scrolling, the University of Genoa in Italy, is launching an innovative project around the psychophysical well-being of its students, faculty, researchers and staff. This is how the first two 'disconnection rooms' were created: spaces where the digital world stays outside and silence, concentration and recharging mental energy play the main role.

Spaces to pause and catch your breath

The rooms, furnished within the faculty of pharmaceutical sciences, offer comfortable armchairs, tables with plants and even changing rooms for those who want to feed or change. It's all about entering a room with a 'Do Not Disturb' sign in order to provide privacy and tranquility. Here you can entirely disconnect from electronic devices, pray or simply allow yourself a moment of silence away from the every day digital noise. Department head Anna Maria Pittaluga explains: "If someone wants to take a moment to turn off their phone, put chats and emails on silent, have a good cry, but also nourish themselves, pray or simply enjoy the silence, they can do so here."

An answer to digital overload

The initiative responds to the growing awareness of the negative effects of constant hyperconnectivity. Recent data from the Osservatorio Scientifico sull'Educazione Digitale show that more than 77% of Italian youth between the ages of 11 and 18 feel dependent on digital devices, with moderate to severe forms of dependence among a significant proportion of them. Universities are pre-eminent places where these new challenges must be addressed, essential for both mental health and study results.

The Prism Project

The 'disconnection rooms' were realized in part thanks to the support of the Prism Project, which involves eight Italian universities and aims to strengthen individual and social resources within academia. The project aims to create restorative moments and support the university community through education, counseling and awareness around mental health, in order to reduce stress and overload caused by digital connection.

The project foresees the opening of additional rooms at the Albergo dei Poveri and on the Savona campus to provide safe, inclusive and welcoming spaces. The initiative is part of the PAP - Plan for Positive Action 2022-2024, which is committed to well-being, equal opportunities and a respectful environment for all sections of the university. Here, among white and green walls, there's no more room for devices: all that remains is a place to breathe, reflect and recalibrate.

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