Gaming at the Frontline of Human Connection: Trust, Wellbeing and Healthy Play in a Changing Tech Landscape

Gaming at the Frontline of Human Connection: Trust, Wellbeing and Healthy Play in a Changing Tech Landscape

Gaming has become one of the most important social spaces of our time, a place where young people learn, connect, collaborate and build identity. As technology continues to evolve, games increasingly shape how people build skills, experience wellbeing and form meaningful connections. At the same time, gaming environments are exposed to a wide spectrum of cyber threats—from account compromise, fraud and AI-enabled manipulation to cyberbullying, harassment, grooming and other forms of online predation—each with direct implications for mental health and healthy participation.

This panel explores how gaming can be intentionally designed as a positive force for human development, focusing on healthy gameplay, trust and wellbeing. While new technologies play a growing role in how games are built and moderated, the discussion centres on the human outcomes that matter most: learning, resilience, belonging and responsible engagement.

Bringing together perspectives from across industry, education and advocacy, the session will examine how collaboration and shared responsibility can help ensure gaming environments remain safe, enriching and future-ready, while preserving the joy, creativity and community at the heart of play.