A new interdisciplinary research network (COST action): Investigating wellbeing and time experience in the digital age

The TIMED research team are seeking to establish a new research network across Europe to investigate how digital technologies impact our wellbeing as well as the way we experience time. We extend a warm invitation to European researchers from all disciplines, individuals associated with NGOs and those employed in industry to join our evolving network (COST action). Under the leadership of Prof Chantal Martin-Soelch, we will seek funding from the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) so that network members are supported to participate in interdisciplinary investigation, knowledge exchange, and dissemination of research around digital technologies, time and wellbeing. We especially invite early career researchers to connect and collaborate with us.

For more information about COST and COST actions see:

What is COST?

What are COST actions?

To connect with us and/or to join our COST network, please contact chantal.martinsoelch@unifr.ch

Overview of the proposed COST action

Title: Investigating wellbeing and time experience in the digital age

Acronym: DOWNTIME

Digitalization (DT) is profoundly reshaping how people experience time and wellbeing. Although often promoted as time-saving, digital tools are frequently associated with increased time pressure, blurred boundaries between work, school, leisure, and family life, and growing inequalities. Current evidence shows that digital habits can either create “time gains” (supporting wellbeing, efficiency, and social connection) or “time losses” (eroding control, inducing stress, or fostering problematic use), but systematic, cross-cultural and interdisciplinary knowledge on these processes remains limited. The proposed DOWNTIME action aims to establish a large interdisciplinary network of researchers, NGOs, and industry partners to investigate how DT influences time experience, wellbeing, and mental health across Europe. This action will pay particular attention to the challenges of digital time pressure, including problematic use, behavioral addictions, burnout, and inequalities linked to gender, socio-economic status, disabilities, and digital inclusiveness. It will also explore opportunities for developing digital tools and policy levers to enhance wellbeing, time management and to reduce disparities, while ensuring ethical and socially responsible innovation. Importantly, early-career researchers will be actively integrated, fostering capacity-building in this emerging field.