Expertise Centre for Digitalisation and Wellbeing
The Expertise Centre for Digitalisation and Wellbeing conducts
research into the advantages and disadvantages of (the design of)
digital technologies. We inform professionals and the general public about the complex relationship between digitalisation and wellbeing. We also connect organisations working at the intersection of digitalisation and wellbeing.
Scope of the Expertise Centre
The Expertise Centre for Digitalisation and Wellbeing focuses on nince scientifically substantiated domains of wellbeing and their relationships with currently dominant digital technologies (see image 'The Lens').
Available in English
The expertise centre publishes its blogs, reports, and factsheets primarily in Dutch. However, due to the international nature of the topic, the centre aims to provide the most seminal of its works in English as well. The works below are also available in English.
The influence of social media on young people
Young people are spending more and more time on Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, TikTok, and WhatsApp. For some, the use of social media may affect their physical, mental, and social well-being. However, this relationship between social media and wellbeing is not the same for all young people. What personal, environmental and social media use characteristics determine whether or not social media may negatively affect wellbeing?
Research Agenda Digitalisation and Wellbeing
Important research is being conducted on many aspects of digitalisation and its impact on wellbeing; from games and smart voice assistants to ethical guidelines for AI development. However, a comprehensive overview of the current state of scientific affairs is still lacking. The Research Agenda Digitalisation and Wellbeing 2025-2026 provides a structured and evidence-based framework for future research into the interaction between digital technologies and human wellbeing.
Knowledge Development
We study the relationships between digital technologies and human wellbeing. Through national monitoring studies and collaborations with academic researchers or institutes, we identify emerging opportunities and risks for wellbeing in the field of digitalisation.
We provide long-term as well as more current-affairs driven insights into issues around digital technologies' impact - both positive and negative - on wellbeing. In addition, we maintain an research agenda that sets the direction for future studies on digitalisation and wellbeing, for ourselves and other experts working in this field.
Knowledge Translation
Digitalisation is a timely topic that affects many people and often sparks strong opinions. We consider it our mission to contribute to a well-informed society.
We share information in accessible formats such as factsheets and infographics for both professionals and the general public. We also support local and national governments in developing evidence-based policies.
Building Connections
The relationship between wellbeing and digital technologies is a complex topic that spans many disciplines. It is an area that requires nuance and benefits from the integration of multiple perspectives.
As the Dutch National Expertise Centre for Digitalisation and Wellbeing, we therefore maintain strong connections with the many organizations working at the intersection of technology and wellbeing. In doing so, we foster mutual communication, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.
Reach out to our experts
Do you have questions?
You can contact the experts of the Expertise Centre for Digitalisation and Wellbeing via our contact form.
Contact formPress inquiries
Journalists with questions about digitalisation and wellbeing can contact the press officers of the Trimbos Institute.
Contact our press officers
