In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the July 2025 Special Issue of the peer-reviewed journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking highlights the concept of "Humane Artificial Intelligence," examining how AI can support human flourishing across contexts including healthcare, education, peacekeeping, and daily digital interactions. Click here to read the issue now.
In their Editorial , Guest Editors Giuseppe Riva, PhD, from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Brenda Wiederhold, PhD, from Virtual Reality Medical Center and Editor-in-Chief of Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking and Pietro Cipresso, PhD, from University of Torino, note that Humane AI "aims to harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence while ensuring that it remains under meaningful human control and that its impacts are equitably distributed across all segments of society."
One article by Riva et al. proposes "Psychomatics," a new multidisciplinary framework to evaluate how artificial minds process language and meaning differently from human cognition, integrating cognitive science and informatics to examine the inner workings of large language models.
Laffier et al. introduce a conceptual model aligning "digital wellness" with ethical AI use. Drawing on psychological constructs such as emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and critical thinking, the authors argue that these skills help individuals navigate AI engagement in ways that protect well-being and autonomy.
A timely perspective titled "Crowdsourcing Compassion" highlights how patients increasingly use AI tools to share lived experience data through online health communities. These user-led platforms—amplified by AI—are shifting the traditional research pipeline, elevating peer-generated insights and uncovering early trends in emerging conditions like Long COVID.
Other articles in the Special Issue examine practical and ethical challenges of AI in diverse domains:
- The role of AI in promoting equitable mental health access through digital diagnostics and triage systems
- A framework for building AI systems that prioritize transparency and emotional resonance
- Ethical concerns surrounding AI-generated decision-making in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions
- Strategies to prevent AI from reinforcing bias in marginalized populations
- The value of integrating qualitative and computational approaches in AI design
Together, the authors in this issue emphasize that as artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in everyday life, its development must remain grounded in human-centric values and psychological insight.
About the Journal
Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking is an authoritative peer-reviewed journal published monthly online with Open Access options and in print that explores the psychological and social issues surrounding the Internet and interactive technologies. Complete tables of contents and a sample issue may be viewed on the journal website.
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