Members of the media may directly contact the following experts:
Mariam Humayun (English only)
Assistant Professor of Marketing, Telfer School of Management
humayun@telfer.uOttawa.ca
Professor Mariam Humayan ’s expertise and research interests focus on the intersection of consumer culture, technology, branding, and social media, particularly in the contexts of digital detoxing.
“National Unplugging Day is an annual event that encourages people to disconnect from technology and engage in meaningful activities that foster human connections and personal growth. It’s a reminder to put down our phones, tablets, and laptops and reconnect with the world around us.
“ From outdoor adventures to board games, meditation to cooking, there are endless possibilities for spending quality time with loved ones and recharging our batteries. Studies have shown that taking regular breaks from social media and technology can reduce stress, increase happiness, and improve overall well-being, allowing us to be fully present and engaged in our personal relationships.”
Dr. Michael Cheng (English and French)
Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, and Staff Psychiatrist, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO).
mcheng@cheo.on.ca
Dr. Michael Cheng’s research is focused on screen time in children and the serious consequences on youth mental health and wellness.
“We are experiencing unprecedented levels of mental health issues in our children, youth and adults. Unfortunately, there are many factors in modern society that disconnect us from what we need, including our “digital cocaine” from screens. By giving us easy dopamine and adrenaline, screens are addicting and distracting us from what we really need, which contributes to anxiety, depression and stress.
“Luckily, we know realize the dangers of screens and we can work together to unplug and help each other reconnect to what we truly need for mental health and wellness. For mental wellness and healthy development, children, youth and adults are wired to require basic needs such as face-to-face time, healthy nutrition, sleep, physical activity and being outdoors in nature. There are also higher needs, such as a sense of purpose, hope, belonging and meaning.”
Nafissa Ismail (English and French)
Associate Professor, School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences. Holder of the University Research Chair in Stress and Mental Health and Director of the NISE Laboratory.
Nafissa.Ismail@uOttawa.ca
Professor Nafissa Ismail’s research at the NISE Laboratory (NeuroImmunology, Stress, and Endocrinology) includes evaluating environmental stressors and their long-lasting effects on brain function. Her expertise touches on adolescent mental health, developmental biology, neuroscience and stress.
