Digital Relationships: Challenges and Opportunities in the Age of Virtual Connectivity

In the digital era, the field of interpersonal relationships has undergone significant transformation, driven by the pervasive influence of technology and digital communication platforms. Traditionally, relationships have been defined by face-to-face interactions, but the advent of digital means has introduced a virtual dimension that allows these connections to thrive across distances. Despite the convenience and connectivity offered by digital relationships, they are fraught with challenges such as miscommunication, lack of authenticity, and mistrust. These issues can lead to increased conflict, deteriorating mental health, and a higher incidence of psychiatric conditions. Furthermore, the digital landscape has given rise to cyberbullying, cyber crimes, and infidelity, complicating the dynamics of modern relationships. Recent studies have highlighted both the positive and negative impacts of digital interactions, yet there remains a significant gap in understanding the full spectrum of these effects. As digital lifestyles and artificial intelligence continue to evolve, it is imperative to explore how these developments are reshaping relationships at a bio-psycho-social level, and to develop evidence-based strategies to address emerging challenges.

This research topic aims to explore the paradigms of relationships in the digital era, with a focus on understanding the multifaceted impacts of digital communication on interpersonal dynamics. The primary objectives include examining the advantages and disadvantages of digital relationships, identifying the psychological and social implications, and proposing solutions to enhance relationship quality in the digital age. Key questions to be addressed include: How do digital platforms influence relationship satisfaction and stability? What are the psychological effects of digital infidelity and cyberbullying? How can digital tools be leveraged to support healthy relationship development?

To gather further insights in the evolving landscape of digital relationships, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• trends in online dating and online relationships
• increasing infidelity and digital relationships
• revenge pornography and its impact on mental health
• critical impacts of digital relationships on youth mental health
• role of digital relationships, infidelity, and the marriage crisis
• evaluating the presence of dating apps for niche populations (LGBTQ, adults, geriatric)
• long-distance dating and the role of online relationships
• online breakups and grieving—the emergence of digital emotional regulation
• online relationships and the role of support groups
• role of social media and social media influencers on relationship health
• interference of digital technology in relationships—boom or bane? (apps, location trackers, etc.)