LJUBLJANA, March 11, 2026 – In the afternoon, EUTOPIA_HEALTH Science Café engaged the general public in a critical dialogue with experts from academia and industry about the hidden costs of our digital lives. The discussion highlighted the tension between commercial interests of digital tools based in artificial intelligence and personal well-being paired with advantages of an offline living.
Katarina Lotrič (company Gentler Streak) highlighted the divide between medical and commercial apps, noting that the latter often face investor pressure to maximize user retention at all costs, usually negatively impacting the quality of user experience and often causing mental and physical burnout.
Prof. Dr. Gregor Jurak (Faculty of Sports UL) was at the forefront during the introduction of the upgrade of the “Sports Educational Chart” that integrated the chart into the Slofit app. This tool allows adults and the elderly to track physical performance for health purposes, though dr. Jurak pointed out the app faces many challenges regarding data privacy and measurement accuracy.
Mark Žmavc from the Logout center pointed out that children in Slovenia begin actively using digital devices at increasingly younger ages. He argued that solutions must move beyond simple time limits toward content regulation and positive parental role-modeling.
Tia Nerat Tomc warned that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used as a substitute for personal relationships. This trend can lead to social isolation, as companies prioritize exploiting personal data over genuine human connection.
A Call for Regulation
The participants agreed that education alone is insufficient to protect vulnerable groups. To safeguard the youth and ensure healthy digital habits, stricter regulation of the digital market is essential alongside improved physical and digital literacy.
