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 relationships in modern societies, where people marry less and later, and where more and more people live alone? Where solitude rubs shoulders with the permanent social ties fostered by digital technologies? Where "AI companions" can replace flesh-and-blood friends? The lecture will be followed by a seminar dedicated specifically to the effects of using digital social networks and mental health at different ages of life, to explore the possible risks but also the opportunities presented through communication technologies.
