For the first time in Spain, the HappyLab format by IBSA Foundation engaged students from the Italian State Comprehensive School and a group of young people from New Delhi in a journey through masks, social media, and Happiness 2.0.
Barcelona, April 2026 – Following its strong success in Canton Ticino and in prestigious settings such as the Venice Biennale Carnival, HappyLab arrived in Barcelona, marking an important new milestone for the initiative.
On April 20, two experiential workshops took place, centred on dialogue and exchange, actively involving students from the Italian State Comprehensive School of Barcelona. The event was made even more distinctive by the participation of nine students from New Delhi, who further enriched the discussion on dynamics in the age of social media.
HappyLab is part of “Happiness 2.0”, promoted by IBSA Foundation in collaboration with USI (Università della Svizzera italiana) and Lugano Living Lab.
The project aims to foster active and informed reflection on the use of social media and artificial intelligence, and their impact on well-being. At its core are themes such as the search for happiness and the exploration of identity.
The format is also part of the broader “Let’s Science!” initiative, developed by IBSA Foundation to promote an accessible scientific culture among younger generations.
The three moments of HappyLab
In line with the format’s approach, both workshops were led by professionals in psychology and communication. The experience unfolded in three key moments:
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It began with a scientific introduction on the mechanisms that influence well-being in relation to social media. In this theoretical phase, participants explored the most recent research on how social networks affect their daily lives.
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At the core of the experience was the mask workshop. Students were invited to reflect on the difference between their online identity and their real self. Through the manual creation of a mask, they gave visual form to their digital identity. The masks became representations of the self, opening a discussion on authenticity in a context increasingly shaped by filters and external expectations.
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Finally, the workshops concluded with a collective reflection moment: the “Happiness Pyramid”. Participants reflected on what it means for them to feel well, expressing their core values. By sharing their thoughts, they organised their priorities across different levels, connecting personal needs with behaviours in the digital world.
A format without borders
The arrival of HappyLab in Spain represents a natural evolution of the Foundation’s outreach commitment, which over the years has taken on an increasingly international dimension, bringing and adapting its projects beyond Swiss borders. This path also includes successful initiatives already carried out in the country, such as the Museum Tour.
HappyLab confirms itself as a meaningful space for listening and growth, capable of adapting to different contexts and connecting diverse experiences. A project that reflects the international vocation of IBSA Foundation and supports younger generations in navigating the digital world with greater awareness and critical thinking.
