The impact of digital technologies on well-being: Main insights from the literature

Digital technologies are reshaping our lives, with significant impacts on personal and societal well-being. As these technologies are increasingly integrated into everyday life, it is crucial to raise awareness on their positive and negative impacts which are reviewed in this paper. While innovations like AI in healthcare and assistive devices empower individuals and improve access, they also introduce risks such as mental health challenges, misinformation, and privacy breaches. Raising awareness around digital risks helps individuals make smarter, safer decisions. At the same time, empowerment is about more than just awareness; it involves giving users control over their digital experiences, equipping them with the skills to harness technology for education, employment, and personal growth. Ultimately, responsible digital use is essential for safeguarding data privacy, supporting democratic values and respecting ethical standards. While digital technologies have the power to level the playing field, they can deepen existing inequalities if access and skills are unevenly distributed. Bridging digital divides through tailored inclusive solutions is equally important. Understanding the relationship between technology use and well-being is therefore key, but further research is needed to fully grasp these dynamics.