Technology and Well-Being

Abstract

This chapter aims to discuss the relationship between well-being and technology, with particular emphasis on the emergence of digital well-being. Well-being encompasses individuals’ cognitive and emotional evaluations of their lives, reflecting both personal satisfaction and collective experiences. This concept, deeply intertwined with the definition of health, aligns with the World Health Organization’s definition of health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. Far from a modern trend, the discussion of well-being has been integral to understanding human health and quality of life for over seven decades. To fully appreciate the concept of well-being, it is essential to delve into its multiple dimensions, the historical evolution of its study, and its current applications in public policy and technology. This chapter explores these aspects in depth, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding well-being with technology as a holistic and dynamic phenomenon in modern society.