Johannesburg: A project in Burkina Faso is raising awareness about the dangers of hyperconnectivity and promoting a screen-free day on July 31, 2026. The Media and Digital Education Research Team (EREMN), which is spearheading the "OFF DAY: 24 hours without screens, 24 hours for me" initiative, launched the awareness campaign on Thursday. The project invites young people to participate in a voluntary day of disconnection at Durra Institute in Ouagadougou.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the day of voluntary disconnection will feature a range of activities, including a conference on hyperconnectivity, board games, traditional games, karaoke, and quizzes, all designed to foster face-to-face interaction and community engagement. The initiative, unveiled during a press conference, seeks to highlight the effects of excessive screen use, especially among young people, and encourage more responsible use of digital tools.
Rayimwend© R©becca Sankara, president of the organizing committee, stated that the project emerged from observing the significant role screens play in the daily lives of Burkinabe people. Statistics from the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Posts (ARCEP) revealed that as of March 31, 2026, Burkina Faso had 29.79 million active SIM cards, reflecting a teledensity of 120.44% and underscoring the rapid growth in digital technology use.
Sankara emphasized that while digital technology is a vital development driver, excessive use can adversely affect users' well-being, leading to screen addiction, sleep disorders, decreased concentration, stress, and social isolation. She highlighted the phenomenon of Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO), which particularly impacts Generation Z, and advocated for embracing the Joy Of Missing Out (JOMO) to better appreciate the present moment.
The deputy chairman of the organizing committee clarified that the project does not seek to oppose digital technologies but rather to promote a more balanced and conscious approach to their use. An online quiz is available on the project's official page, allowing internet users to evaluate their relationship with digital technology and categorize themselves as "Conscious," "Fragile," or "Connected Zombie."