University Development Plan – An Attractive Campus Life

Monday Lunch Talk

April 27, 12.30–1.00 pm – Natalie Hartig
“Social media and AI – how they affect our health”

How do social media and artificial intelligence affect our mental health – and why do we often find them both helpful and unsettling at the same time? In this lunch talk, Natalie Hartig, MSc in Psychology, will explore key psychological tensions surrounding the use of AI. The focus will be on cognitive dissonance: AI can make decision-making easier, yet at the same time trigger uncertainty and a sense of loss of control – exacerbated by one-sided perceptions and media-driven scenarios of the future. The talk will also discuss how intensive social media use can contribute to sensory overload and affect self-esteem and concentration. Different patterns of use – from moderate to intensive – will be examined, along with their opportunities and risks. The key point is that it is not the technology itself that determines its impact, but how we interact with it. A brief insight into how to use it more mindfully and healthily in everyday life. 

Register here.

 

May 18, 12.30–1.00 pm – Constantin Späth
“From resolution to habit: How to really make exercise part of our daily lives”

Why do we find it so hard to incorporate more exercise into our daily lives – even though we know full well how good it is for us? In his talk “From resolution to habit: How exercise really becomes part of our daily lives”, Constantin Späth offers fascinating insights into his research and explains why good intentions often fail – and what key conditions may need to be met for them to develop into sustainable routines. In doing so, he combines scientific findings with practical recommendations for everyday life: it’s not about perfection or peak performance, but about small, realistic changes that have a long-term impact. How can we manage to make exercise a natural part of our lives, rather than an additional chore?

Register here.

 

June 1, 1.00–1.30 pm – Pia Wippert
“Why are some people resilient to stress – and others not?”

Why do some people see stress as a motivator – whilst others see it as a burden? And what does this have to do with our bodies, our thoughts and our environment? In this 30-minute digital talk, Prof. Dr Pia-Maria Wippert discusses why we react so differently to stress – and what we can learn from this for our everyday lives. The focus is on a modern perspective on stress: not as a problem in itself, but as an interplay of biological, psychological and social factors.
With practical insights, the talk shows how we can better understand what weighs us down – and what strengthens us.

Register here.

 

The Lunchtalks are presented and hosted by the Feel Good Campus. All university staff are welcome to attend the Lunchtalks during working hours.

From September 2026: Think Labs are moving on to the evaluation stage

Ideas that make a difference: results are implemented straight away and embedded for the long term.

From September 2026, the results of the Think Labs will be evaluated. The ideas put forward will be systematically analysed and specifically developed further to realise their potential for practical application. The focus is not only on highlighting effective approaches, but also on implementing them consistently. In this way, initial ideas are transformed into concrete measures that are sustainably embedded in everyday university life and contribute to a healthy and attractive campus.