Editorial to the Special Issue: Individuals, relationships and community in the digital era

The present special issue presents empirical studies and theoretical contributions that examine the impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on individuals, interpersonal relationships, and the community. Access to and use of ICTs have become more accessible and affordable than ever before, enabling broader segments of the population to engage with them. Their use was further intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, a development inevitably reflected in contemporary research. The articles included capture the multifaceted influence of new technologies across diverse population groups. Several contributions examine the role of ICTs in shaping identity, insofar as technological engagement may influence individuals’ self-concept and identity development. As expected, a substantial focus concerns the use of ICTs in psychotherapy, addressing both the opportunities they offer and the ethical and deontological challenges they raise, as well as ways to manage or acknowledge these challenges. Similar concerns are raised regarding the use of ICTs in education. Also, the issue includes studies on problematic ICTs use and its consequences for different populations. Finally, the influence of ICTs on romantic relationships is addressed, including a study focusing on their impact on partner seeking. Overall, the contributions underscore the central aim of this special issue: ICTs are now deeply embedded at individual, interpersonal, and societal levels, and research can guide their optimal use while addressing their potentially problematic dimensions.