In the attention economy that defines contemporary times, time is an increasingly limited and contested resource. It is in this scenario that the initiative of theUniversità Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, which it introduces into its academic ecosystem LockBox, an application designed to promote the so-called "active disconnection".
The data clearly demonstrates the extent of the phenomenon: we spend an average of three hours a day on our smartphones, with over 100 daily accesses. At the same time, young people are becoming increasingly aware of the risks associated with excessive use: 77% of Italian studentschiara a form of addiction, while over 90% recognize a direct impact on their psychophysical well-being. At an international level, studies conducted by Digital Wellness Lab of Boston Children's Hospital and the Harvard Medical School highlight how more than half of adolescents perceive the device as a significant distraction.
In this context, the University presents itself as an advanced laboratory for experimentation, integrating technology and training in a digitally balanced perspective. LockBox does not introduce constraints, but activates motivational levers: Through an approach based on Self-Determination Theory, the app encourages autonomy, responsibility, and connectedness. Students voluntarily choose to "pause" notifications, monitoring their progress and participating in collaborative dynamics with peers.
The implementation is distinguished by a capillary and structural character: in addition 120 physical workstations distributed throughout the University buildings, they allow the activation and deactivation of the service, transforming the digital experience into a conscious and contextualized gesture. gamification system – with prizes, incentives, and rankings – strengthens engagement, encouraging positive competition geared toward well-being.
From an academic point of view, the initiative fits coherently into the educational model of theUniversità Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, characterized by a strong integration between experiential teaching and teacher-student relationship, with a ratio of one to seventeen and immersive environments like the Simulation Center. From this perspective, the quality of training is inextricably linked to the quality of attention.
"We believe that a healthier relationship with our devices is the foundation of a broader concept of well-being." - states the Magnificent Rector, Prof. Rocco Papalia. At our University, we have always invested in mentoring and the centrality of interpersonal relationships, including through structured initiatives dedicated to student well-being, such as the Proben project, which offers psychological counseling and support during challenging times during their university career. Along with Campus Life, sports, volunteering, and international cooperation activities, these initiatives contribute to building a caring environment, fostering informed and responsible men and women. With the introduction of Lockbox, we are further strengthening this commitment, offering students a concrete tool for more informed university and interpersonal experiences.
Alongside its institutional dimension, the project has a strong focus on applied research and innovation. LockBox was born from an idea of Giulia Violati and Simone D'Amico, a researcher at the Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, with the aim of combining scientific evidence and scalable technological solutions.
"The issue is not to demonize technology, but to redesign its use according to educational objectives and well-being. – underlines Simone D'Amico, Cofounder & CEO – LockBox introduces a proactive model: it doesn't limit, but empowers. When students are actively involved in managing their digital time, there can be positive impacts on concentration, motivation, and the quality of relationships.
"Lockbox was born from the observation of a real need among students: not to eliminate the smartphone, but to have a tool to manage it better – explains Giulia Violati, Cofounder & CMO –. We've designed a simple and accessible experience that transforms disconnection into a positive, shared choice, capable of restoring value to time, study, and daily relationships.
From a medical-scientific perspective, the literature confirms that hyperconnection can impact various parameters: from altered sleep-wake rhythms to increased stress levels, and even effects on memory and learning ability. In this sense, the University's initiative is not only an educational intervention, but also a concrete action for prevention and health promotion.
"Active disconnection" thus emerges as a strategic lever: an investment in the quality of attention, the depth of relationships, and, ultimately, in building more aware and resilient human capital.
