The digital transformation has significantly altered the way we communicate, work, and interact within society, emphasizing the need for individuals and organizations to adapt to and harness these technological advancements effectively, as these changes continue to shape everyday life in ways previously unimaginable. Moreover, the acceleration of digital technologies has fundamentally changed consumer behaviours, expectations, and interactions, positioning adaptability as a critical component for thriving in an increasingly digital world. In this context, the shift towards digital interaction and the integration of technology into daily routines highlight the necessity of fostering digital literacy and innovative thinking to navigate the complexities and challenges arising from this transformation. This is why the digitization of education and training (both in terms of process and content) is one of the most prominent examples of the transformative power of technology in the modern era, and the changes reflect the wider challenges brought about by the evolving individual, social and professional circumstances.

Digital technologies have significantly impacted various aspects of life, including interpersonal relationships, social and humanitarian spaces, and the cultural industry. Many studies envisaged the positive relationship between these aspects and the development of technology (Satata et al. 2023, Grigorev 2020, Jiang 2023, Todorova 2023, Anista 2023, Statsenko 2020, Atkinson & Castro 2008):

• Technology facilitates social interaction by overcoming time and distance barriers
• Integration with information technology enhances economic efficiency, competitiveness, and educational processes.
• The mutual influence of the digital economy and value-normative transformations contributes to new production methods and social relations.
• Digital technologies impact ordinary citizens by creating new values and meanings that influence worldviews, goal-setting, and economic activities for current and future generations.
• Digital technologies improve process management, optimize public space, and bring practical benefits in various aspects of human life.
• Digital technology has significantly facilitated the development of the cultural industry and empowered various stakeholders.
• Digital technology has reshaped the structure of the cultural industry, leading to changes in cultural consumption, production, and market dynamics.
• The integration of digitization and technology can foster diverse and vibrant cultures and create high-quality cultural works.
• Digitalization is a driving force that ensures efficiency in the economy, society, and improves life standards.
• Digital communication technologies must be widely introduced and accessible to both professionals and ordinary citizens.
• Digital ecosystems are innovative and relevant, providing a favorable environment to solve multiple problems.
• IT has been the principal driver of increased economic growth since the mid-1990s in the United States and many other nations.
• IT is at the core of dramatic improvements in the quality of life for individuals around the world.
• IT enables key innovations and improvements in education, health care, the environment, and security.

Digitalization is a driving force that improves efficiency in the economy, society, and quality of life, but requires widespread accessibility and development of digital skills, as well as the formation of innovative digital platforms and ecosystems (Statsenko 2020).

Regarding the personal life, the advancements in digital technologies have profoundly influenced and transformed various aspects. From daily tasks and communication to social interactions and personal learning experiences, the integration of these technologies has reshaped how individuals engage with the world around them, ultimately enhancing their efficiency and connectivity in ways that were unimaginable in the pre-digital era (Veldhoven & Vanthienen, 2021). Moreover, the accessibility of information and resources has empowered individuals to pursue personalized learning opportunities, fostering a culture of continuous self-improvement and adaptability in an increasingly complex environment (Nugumanova et al., 2020; Tomar, 2019). In this context, the personalization of educational experiences, driven by digital platforms, not only meets diverse individual needs but also encourages learners to explore innovative methods of interaction and engagement, paving the way for a more dynamic educational landscape that transcends traditional learning boundaries (Srivastava, 2023; Nugumanova et al., 2020).

The widespread adoption of digital technologies has brought forth a range of challenges that must be addressed to ensure equitable access and optimal integration into personal lives. This includes the necessity of bridging the digital divide, as disparities in access to technology can hinder some individuals from fully benefiting from the opportunities presented by digital advancements, thereby perpetuating existing inequalities in education and beyond (Srivastava, 2023). To effectively navigate these challenges, it is crucial to foster an inclusive approach that not only enhances technological resources but also prepares educators to embrace digital tools and methodologies, ultimately ensuring that all learners can thrive in this evolving landscape (Srivastava, 2023). The role of educators becomes increasingly vital as they navigate the complexities of digital integration; their engagement with technology directly impacts how effectively educational transformations are realized, emphasizing the importance of their own digital literacy and innovative potential in shaping student experiences and outcomes. Additionally, as the educational environment becomes more digitized, cultivating a supportive infrastructure for both teachers and students is essential to maximize the benefits of these technologies; thus, initiatives aimed at promoting digital equity and providing targeted training for educators can significantly enhance the learning experience and foster a more inclusive and accessible educational landscape (Judge et al., 2004; Srivastava, 2023). As educational institutions leverage adaptive learning technologies to address varied learning styles, they can create environments that not only cater to individual strengths and weaknesses, but also enhance overall engagement, knowledge retention, competence development among students, making it imperative to uphold ethical norms and a humanistic approach.

While the digital technologies have improved efficiency and facilitated global connectivity, it is considered that they have also led to mental and psychological illnesses, social inequality, and a decline in communication skills (Satata et al. 2023; Todorova 2023).

The use of digital technology may influence human brains and behaviour in both negative and positive ways. In a synopsis of 10 scientific articles, Hoehe & Thibaut (2020) argues that scientific evidence does not support common concerns about digital technology causing mental health problems, and that research and interventions should focus on the individual user and how they use technology, which can be both positively and negatively, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the other hand, innovations in digital technology have the potential to address some of the challenges in mental health care and research, such as overcoming the limitations of self-reporting data and facilitating remote access to services. These advancements foster new opportunities for mental health interventions, allowing for tailored self-management strategies and creating pathways for efficient communication between providers and patients, thereby enhancing the overall quality of care provided (Aguilera, 2015). In addition, ongoing research is essential to better understand the causal relationships between technology use and mental health outcomes, as well as to explore the implications of these digital tools on the traditional roles within healthcare settings, which could ultimately reshape the provider-patient dynamic and raise ethical concerns regarding privacy and data usage. The digital era has brought about significant changes in traditional values, social norms, and communication patterns. For example, Anista (2023) analyses the impact of technological advancements and social media development on cultural transformation. She argues that technology and social media have reshaped social interaction and communication, making digital communication more dominant, with an effect in diminishing the traditional cultural values, such as face-to-face communication.

Social media has blurred the boundaries between private and public life, transforming personal identity and communication patterns, with unforeseeable effects on the way we live together. As technologies continue to evolve, they reshape how individuals engage with content, influence the dissemination of cultural narratives, and alter the audience’s perception of traditional media formats, ultimately contributing to the emergence of a new digital culture that is both interactive and participatory.

The most notable impacts of digital technologies on cultural life is the way they have reshaped social interaction and communication patterns. Digital platforms have facilitated a shift from direct, face-to-face communication to more mediated forms of interaction, resulting in a fundamentally different social landscape where virtual connections often take precedence over physical ones. This shift has not only redefined personal relationships but also influenced the formation of communities and the sharing of opinions, leading to an ever-expanding network of interconnected individuals shaped by technology's pervasive presence in everyday life (Kaul, 2012). The proliferation of digital media has created an environment where exposure to diverse cultural expressions and popular imagery has increased dramatically, particularly among younger audiences, thereby affecting their perceptions and experiences of art and culture. In addition, the nature of fine arts is evolving in response to these technological influences, as the rapid reproduction and circulation of images have transformed how culture is represented and apprehended, prompting changes in art education that seek to align curricula with this new visual culture (Wang, 2018; Boughton, 2005).

The emerging digital culture has also blurred the boundaries between private and public life, with social media platforms playing a significant role in this transformation. These platforms have enabled individuals to curate and project their personal identities in a public sphere, leading to a heightened degree of self-expression and self-awareness that was previously less prominent. This phenomenon, while fostering a sense of community and connectivity, also raises concerns regarding the commodification of personal experiences and the impact of consumerism on self-identity, with digital media art often reflecting a blend of entertainment and cultural capitalism that can both enrich and challenge traditional cultural values (Kaul, 2012; Wang, 2018).

To address the challenges posed by these digital transformations, it is crucial to reinforce the importance of understanding the nuances of this new cultural landscape and to develop strategies that can mitigate the negative impacts while maximizing the potential benefits of technological progress. This involves fostering interdisciplinary dialogues that incorporate artistic practice, technology, and social theory to critically engage with the evolving nature of cultural narratives and educational frameworks that prepare individuals for active participation in this digital milieu (Kluszczyński, 2005; Serkova, 2020). To achieve this, it is essential to create educational environments that embrace the latest digital art technologies and also critically examine their implications on cultural representation and social interaction, thereby nurturing a new generation of artists (and professionals – generally speaking) who can navigate the complex interplay between tradition and innovation in the digital age (Serkova, 2020; Choi & Piro, 2009; Kong, 2019; Kluszczyński, 2005; Boughton, 2005). This shift necessitates a curriculum reform that acknowledges the intersection of culture, art, and technology, emphasizing the importance of artistic literacy alongside technical skills to prepare students for the demands of contemporary digital media practices and to promote meaningful engagement in an ever-evolving cultural landscape.

Overall, the success of the digital economy and the development of society depend on the cultural values and the development of the social and cultural sphere. Nonetheless, the excessive use of digital technologies can have negative effects on the well-being of the working environment (Todorova 2023). Consequently, although digital technologies have brought about numerous benefits, it is essential to thoughtfully assess and manage their effects on different facets of life.