Abstract
Relational networks, as a source of practical and emotional social support, group membership, norms and references, play an important role in the onset and persistence of psychological difficulties and addictions. If an entourage affected by psychological difficulties or in which addictive behaviours are frequent can have harmful effects, isolation and feelings of loneliness also have negative consequences on health. What is the state of relational ties in modern societies, where people are marrying less and later, and where more and more people are living alone ? where loneliness rubs shoulders with permanent social ties fostered by digital technologies ? where " AI companion " can replace flesh-and-blood friends ?
The lecture will be followed by a seminar dedicated specifically to the effects of digital social networking on mental health at different stages of life, to explore both the possible risks and opportunities presented by communication technologies.
