On Friday, July 31, 2026, the Department of Psychology at Don Bosco College, Panjim-Goa, in association with the Wonders of Outstanding Women (W.O.W.) Foundation Goa, organized an insightful and highly interactive seminar titled "Authenticity in the Digital Age: Online Masking and In-Person Connections" in the college A.V. Hall. The event commenced with an opening address by the Principal, Prof. Teotone Vaz, who strongly emphasized the vital importance of hosting such a timely session, noting how critical it is for today's youth to navigate the psychological complexities of the digital landscape. Following his remarks, the resource person, Ms. Vibha Pradhan, led a deeply engaging one-hour session exploring the impacts of curated online personas and the widening gap between digital "masks" and our authentic real selves.
Moving away from a traditional lecture format, the session was highly collaborative as Ms. Pradhan actively invited perspectives from the audience, prompting students and faculty to share personal reflections on their social media habits and the pressure for digital validation. Through these interactive dialogues, attendees gained valuable insights and actionable strategies on how to navigate platforms mindfully and ground themselves in genuine, real-world interactions. The program received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the students, who expressed that the relevant, relatable examples and the open forum layout made them feel heard and deeply reflective about their own digital well-being. Aligning closely with UN Sustainable Development Goals for Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3) and Quality Education (SDG 4), the seminar concluded successfully with a powerful collective call to action: "Let's Unmask. Connect. Be Authentic.”