28 October 2014. The many different possibilities which the internet offers us for creating social networks demonstrably also give rise to substantial stress phenomena. Many people – and not solely representatives of the younger generation – now have the idea that they have to be permanently online, constantly contactable, invariably available for professional or private reasons.

Living offline now and then

This gives them the feeling of being important but can also generate symptoms similar to a burnout. How do we deal with this – as an individual or as a family, at work or among friends? And will we have minicomputers implanted in our bodies soon to ensure that we do not have to switch anything off any longer – or should we learn the art of being offline every now and then?

Prof. Dr. Rainer Endl from the Institute of Information and Process Management at the FHS St.Gallen, Prof. Dr. Thomas Friedli from the Institute of Technology Management at the HSG, Ralph Kugler from the ICT & Media Institute at the Pädagogische Hochschule St.Gallen and the guests will discuss the issue of how to deal well with the social media. Prof. Dr. Sibylle Minder Hochreutener, Vice-President and Dean of the Business Administration Faculty at the FHS St.Gallen, will moderate the discussion.

The absence of lectures is a deliberate feature of the Science Café. Instead, the focus will be on a discussion with guests over a cup of coffee. On the last evening, experts from the Pädagogische Hochschule, the Fachhochschule and the University of St.Gallen will discuss education in childhood.

Science Café in St.Gallen: topics and data

• 23 April 2014, 5.30 to 7 p.m. | Dementia – a challenge for relatives and the environment
• 21 May 2014, 6 to 7 p.m. | The Eastern Swiss education landscape – where is it going?
• 24 September 2014, 5.30 to 7 p.m. | The transparent human being – curse or blessing?
• 29 October 2014, 5.30 to 7 p.m. | The art of being offline – how to use social media
• 26 November 2014, 5.30 to 7 p.m. | Early, earlier, earliest childhood: when must education begin?

The discussion will take place in the St.GallenTextile Museum, Vadianstrasse 2. Everyone is welcome, admission will be free.

Picture: Science et Cité