Well-being supported by digital technologies, grounded in research-based frameworks

Researchers and practitioners need systematic approaches to studying how technology enhances rather than diminishes human flourishing. Positive Cyberpsychology: Human Flourishing in a Digital Era introduces PCyb as a field examining factors and processes that support well-being in digital interactions. Paweł Fortuna, one of the pioneers in positive cyberpsychology with over 50 peer-reviewed publications, provides the first comprehensive English-language framework for this emerging field.

The book integrates and systematizes empirical findings using the psychological models of flourishing across health, relationships, personal growth, education and work contexts. Structured around three guiding questions—Why is PCyb? What is PCyb? How is PCyb?—it traces the field’s disciplinary development, connects positive psychology with cyberpsychology into a coherent integrative framework. Theoretical insights are combined with empirically grounded examples for immediate research application.

Readers will also find:

• A concrete research framework that outlines specific psychological investigations rather than general approaches to technology design
• In-depth analysis revealing strong connections between positive psychology, cyberpsychology, and design practices for well-being-oriented digital experiences
• Concepts, directions, and methods for studying digital strengths, digital well-being, positive technology interventions, and the upward dynamics of flourishing in digital contexts.
• Evidence-informed insights relevant to implementing flourishing-oriented solutions across diverse contexts spanning AI-driven systems, applications, social media platforms, immersive technologies and gaming.
• Theoretical foundations combined with actionable examples suitable for coursework in cyberpsychology, positive psychology, AI ethics, and design

Researchers and students in psychology, cyberpsychology, AI, and digital humanities will find essential and integrative frameworks and a rich source of research directions for advancing well-being-focused technology studies. Technology designers, UX specialists, and educators developing courses in positive psychology or ethical AI will gain research-informed guidance for shaping digital experiences that genuinely support human flourishing.

Paweł Fortuna, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Psychology at John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin and a lecturer at Kozminski University in Warsaw. One of the pioneers in positive cyberpsychology and chartered psychologist, he has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications including 20 books. Three of his works received the Teofrast Award for best Polish psychological book of the year, and his first work on positive cyberpsychology was recognized by the Polish Society for Positive Psychology in 2022.