Adekunle Adedeji ^1,2,3* Franka Metzner ³ Johanna Buchcik ¹

• ¹ Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Germany
• ² Bremen International Graduate School of Social Sciences (BIGSSS), Bremen, Bremen, Germany
• ³ University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany

adjustment, highlighting the dual role of digitalisation in enhancing and sometimes complicating immigrant well-being.The digital era brings both opportunities and new stressors for immigrant populations, as seen in Zhang et al.'s study on digital financial inclusion among migrant workers in China. In this paper, the authors explore how digital finance-through its reach and accessibility-mitigates overwork, an issue pervasive among rural-to-urban migrant workers. Digital financial inclusion positively impacts job quality and reduces excessive labour by expanding access to savings and loan products that enable financial stability. However, this alleviation is not uniform, and disparities in digital access persist across different regions and worker demographics. The authors argue for targeted financial policies that promote equitable digital access, particularly in under-resourced communities, to ensure that the benefits of digital finance reach all migrant groups.Another dimension of social capital's digital impact is evident in Joji and Mapaling's research on mental health help-seeking among Indian immigrant youth in South Africa. Immigrant youth, often caught between their home and host cultures, face unique pressures, with many viewing mental health help-seeking through a culturally filtered lens that may discourage support. Joji and Mapaling highlight the role of digital and social media as both facilitators and barriers to mental health support. Social media offers platforms for discussion, raising awareness and accessibility, yet cultural stigmas and family pressures still limit its effectiveness. The study underscores the importance of culturally sensitive mental health interventions utilising digital platforms to create safe open dialogue and support spaces.Further examining the sociocultural predictors of immigrant well-being, Shekriladze and Javakhishvili investigate the roles of cultural distance, language fluency, and discrimination in shaping psychological outcomes among Georgian immigrants in Europe. They find that host culture engagement and language proficiency strongly predict well-being, underscoring the importance of supportive sociocultural policies. While cultural integration is beneficial, their research suggests that immigrants' perceived discrimination and lack of language fluency may hinder adjustment, especially in contexts with significant intercultural distance. These findings echo the importance of inclusive language and antidiscrimination policies in fostering immigrant adaptation and reducing acculturative stress. Collectively, these studies reflect the multifaceted role of digitalisation in immigrant well-being. Digital tools and platforms provide critical resources, bridging physical gaps and fostering connection. Yet, they also introduce new risks that can exacerbate vulnerability, particularly among youth and economically disadvantaged migrant groups. These findings underline the need for a comprehensive approach to social capital that extends beyond traditional social networks to include digital forms of interaction, which are increasingly essential in contemporary immigrant life.In a broader context, the articles within this collection suggest actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners. First, digital equity must be prioritised to ensure that immigrant communities, particularly those in low-income or remote areas, can access digital tools that support economic stability, mental health, and social inclusion. Second, culturally nuanced mental health interventions should leverage digital platforms, creating accessible, stigma-free resources tailored to specific immigrant groups.Finally, policies promoting language acquisition and anti-discrimination are vital in creating welcoming environments that enable immigrants to build meaningful social connections.As digital technology continues to shape the immigrant experience, future research should focus on the long-term implications of digital inclusion on immigrant well-being, exploring both the benefits and potential psychological or social trade-offs. Additionally, the role of social capital within digital platforms, such as social media groups and online communities, warrants further exploration as a potential source of resilience and support for immigrants in navigating their host societies.In conclusion, the digital age redefines social capital for immigrant populations, offering a complex mix of empowerment and challenge. The studies presented in this collection highlight the opportunities digital tools provide and the nuanced, often unexpected obstacles they pose. As immigrants navigate the dual landscapes of digital and physical worlds, ensuring equitable access and culturally relevant support systems remains essential to fostering immigrant well-being in a globally interconnected society.