Digital Psychology: A Critical Analytical Perspective in Light of Contemporary Cognitive and Technological Developments

Abstract

This study examines digital psychology as an emerging interdisciplinary field at the intersection of psychology and digital technology, aiming to construct a comprehensive critical-analytical perspective on its trajectory, challenges, and future directions. The significance of this research derives from the accelerating pace of digital transformation, which is reshaping the cognitive and psychological structures of individuals and communities alike, necessitating a reflective scholarly inquiry that integrates criticism with construction. The study employs a descriptive-analytical-critical methodology based on a systematic literature review; surveying accumulated scientific production spanning from 2017 to 2026. The central themes addressed include: the emergence and conceptual evolution of digital psychology; the cognitive and psychological impact of digital technologies on individuals and groups; the role of artificial intelligence in transforming mental health pathways; and the ethical dilemmas and applied challenges confronting the field. Key findings indicate that the relationship between digital technology and mental health is a complex, dialectical relationship that cannot be reduced to absolute harm or benefit. Artificial intelligence is simultaneously redrawing the boundaries of psychological interventionو presenting both promising opportunities and genuine risks. The study recommends the development of a coherent Arabic theoretical framework for digital psychology, intensifying applied research in Arab and particularly Libyan contexts, and strengthening ethical regulations governing the use of artificial intelligence in psychological practice.