Introduction

Technology has profoundly permeated the structure and functioning of family units and households, transforming everyday interactions and redefining roles (Light et al., 2024). This phenomenon, framed within “social computing,” describes how information technologies mediate social and business actions, where group interaction shapes individual behavior and incorporation into collectives (Vannoy & Palvia, 2010). Technological integration is not limited to communication tools but ranges from home automation to platforms that restructure work and caregiving. Understanding these dynamics requires a multifaceted analysis of how technology is adopted, embraced, and embedded in society (Vannoy & Palvia, 2010).

Contextualizing technology in family and domestic life

The insertion of technology into domestic environments has evolved beyond mere convenience, affecting the configuration of family life. Digital devices and online platforms, initially conceived for specific purposes, have been appropriated by users for new forms of social interaction and organization (Vannoy & Palvia, 2010). This appropriation has generated technology-enabled social structures, modifying interaction and communication, and introducing changes in everyday practices (Vannoy & Palvia, 2010). The home, traditionally a space of refuge, becomes a hub of connectivity, where technology redefines the boundaries between public and private, and between personal activities and domestic responsibilities (Apthorpe et al., 2019).

Thesis and relevance of innovations in the family environment

Contemporary technological innovations in the family and household are reconfiguring interpersonal relationships, power dynamics, and care structures. The relevance of analyzing these innovations lies in their ability to offer both opportunities for improving quality of life and domestic efficiency, as well as challenges related to privacy, security, and social equity (Türkyılmaz & Altindag, 2022) and Albayaydh & Flechais, 2024). Understanding these phenomena is fundamental for the design of future technologies that harmonize with human needs, as well as for the formulation of public policies that mitigate risks and maximize social benefits (Light et al., 2024). This paper examines how technology intertwines with social expectations, individual capabilities, and family structures, presenting a complex landscape that deserves rigorous consideration.

Recent innovations in technology for the family and home

Technological transformations have given rise to an ecosystem of devices and platforms that are integrated into family life. From automating household tasks to supporting intergenerational communication, these innovations are reshaping the home experience (Zielonka et al., 2021).

Smart homes and home automation

Smart homes, a core component of the Internet of Things (IoT), provide efficient services to users by communicating with various digital devices (Türkyılmaz & Altindag, 2022). These systems, which include sensors, actuators, and energy harvesters, seek to create self-sufficient and multimodal environments for home and healthcare (Shi et al., 2022). The adoption of these technologies, however, faces challenges such as privacy, security, and cost, factors that influence consumers’ purchase intentions (Türkyılmaz & Altindag, 2022).

Internet of Things (IoT) and its integration into everyday life

The ubiquity of the IoT allows smart home appliances to constantly collect information, solving everyday problems (Zielonka et al., 2021). This integration redefines domestic practices, introducing the concept of “digital housekeeping” (Aagaard, 2022). Although often associated with masculine roles in the literature, digital housekeeping also encompasses traditionally feminine tasks such as decoration and cognitive work, revealing complex gender implications (Aagaard, 2022). Home IoT devices also affect interpersonal relationships between residents, generating both benefits and costs that require consideration in future technological design (Apthorpe et al., 2019).

Assistive technologies for older adults and people with special needs

Digital assistive technologies play a role in the autonomy and quality of life of older adults (Zager Kocjan et al., 2022). These tools facilitate self-regulation in various aspects of daily life (Zager Kocjan et al., 2022). The successful adoption of these technologies depends on older adults’ confidence and perceived benefits (Zager Kocjan et al., 2022). Early involvement of users in the development of these technologies is crucial to foster technological self-efficacy (Zager Kocjan et al., 2022). Factors such as social support and health expectations influence the use of technologies for active and healthy aging (Vaziri et al., 2019).

Technological devices in the family context: childhood, adolescence and adulthood

The use of technological devices varies significantly among different age groups within the family, with different implications for each.

Use of electronic devices by children and adolescents

Exposure to electronic devices in children and adolescents has increased, with consequences for development and well-being (Ortega-Mohedano & Pinto-Hernández, 2021). Excessive screen use is associated with an increased risk of mental health problems, reduced sleep, and physical health problems such as obesity (Ortega-Mohedano & Pinto-Hernández, 2021). Intervention in parent-child interaction can reduce screen time, decrease conflict, and improve executive functions in young children (Sadeghi et al., 2019). In adolescents, restricting screen use at night improves sleep duration and daytime vigilance (Perrault et al., 2019). Furthermore, hyperactivity/inattention in children is correlated with increased use of touch devices, suggesting a possible use for emotional regulation (Konok & Szőke, 2022).

Impact of teleworking and digital home management

Teleworking, whose adoption accelerated during the pandemic, has redefined household dynamics and productivity (Hackney et al., 2022). Non-mandatory work-from-home arrangements generally have a positive impact on productivity, with 79% of pre-pandemic studies showing improvements (Hackney et al., 2022). However, mandatory or full-time teleworking, especially under external duress such as a pandemic, can have less positive and even detrimental effects (Hackney et al., 2022). Digital household management, facilitated by technology, presents a potential redistribution of gender roles and everyday practices, creating a new locus of control in the household (Aagaard, 2022).

Digital platforms and new forms of domestic work

Digital platforms have introduced new ways of organizing and working in the domestic sphere, transforming the provision of services and task management.

Organization apps and work platforms for household chores

Digital platforms, characterized by a core-periphery architecture, enable and govern a social order through digital interfaces (Ametowobla & Kirchner, 2023). These platforms offer services for home organization and specific tasks. Platform workers, although heterogeneous, exercise their “digital agency” in diverse ways, depending on the platform’s level of algorithmic control (Alasoini et al., 2023). Despite promises of autonomy, “algorithmic management” exerts control over the labor process at various stages, often without transparency, generating a “double autonomy paradox” for young workers (Sloth Laursen et al., 2021).

Transformations in domestic work and care mediated by technology

Smart home technologies, while promising efficiency, can also exacerbate existing power imbalances and gender roles (Aagaard, 2022). In the context of paid domestic work, the privacy of “bystanders” (people not the primary users of the device, such as domestic workers) is a significant concern (Albayaydh & Flechais, 2024). Babysitters, for example, have mixed perspectives on smart devices, being more comfortable with those that do not directly monitor them, such as smart speakers or TVs, than with indoor cameras (Abu-Salma et al., 2025). There is a disconnect between employers’ perceptions and workers’ concerns about monitoring (Abu-Salma et al., 2025).

Social impact of technological innovations on family and home

Technological innovations exert considerable influence on social structures and interactions inside and outside the home, shaping relationships and creating new dilemmas.

Transformations in family dynamics and intergenerational relationships

Technology is redefining family interactions, altering communication and coexistence patterns while offering new avenues for family support.

Communication, connection and coexistence in connected homes

Domestic IoT devices, as has been shown, have a direct impact on interpersonal relationships within the home, presenting both benefits and social costs (Apthorpe et al., 2019). Technological adoption by individuals and its integration into daily life changes the way people interact and communicate (Vannoy & Palvia, 2010). For example, text messaging, originally for subscriber information, has become a vehicle for social behavior (Vannoy & Palvia, 2010). This capacity for socialization through digital media disrupts traditional coexistence, although the precise effect on the quality of family ties requires careful evaluation.

Support for extended and multigenerational families through technology

Technology offers tools to maintain and enhance social relationships, especially in the context of aging. Older adults use technology to maintain social connection (Long et al., 2022). Their decision to use it for social interaction considers effort, quality of interaction, and privacy and security (Long et al., 2022). Intergenerational support—both instrumental, emotional, and financial—positively influences older adults’ willingness to adopt smart home technologies (Wei et al., 2023). This support is crucial for older adults to age in place through technology (Wei et al., 2023).

Privacy, security, and ethical challenges in digital home environments

The proliferation of smart devices in the home raises significant privacy and security concerns, not only for primary users but also for third parties such as domestic workers (Albayaydh & Flechais, 2024) (Abu-Salma et al., 2025). IoT devices are designed to constantly collect data (Shi et al., 2022), raising ethical questions about consent, data use, and monitoring. The lack of transparency in algorithmic management systems exacerbates these concerns, making it difficult for users to understand how their data is being used (Sloth Laursen et al., 2021). Protecting privacy in multi-family settings, especially in households with domestic workers, requires considering contextual influences, power dynamics, and the need for innovative design guidelines (Albayaydh & Flechais, 2024). Clear disclosure and discussion about the use of monitoring devices are critical to mitigating these risks (Abu-Salma et al., 2025).

Social and labor inclusion: opportunities and risks arising from technological platforms

Digital platforms present a mixed picture in terms of social and labor inclusion. They offer flexible work opportunities, as is the case with delivery or freelancing platforms (Alasoini et al., 2023). However, these platforms can also reproduce or amplify existing inequalities in the offline world of work, especially due to algorithmic control (Alasoini et al., 2023). Efficiency optimization on these platforms, often driven by automation and control, can lead to low investment by workers (Frey, 2022). For older adults, technology can be a tool to prevent isolation and improve independence, but its adoption is limited by factors such as cost, lack of specialized skills, and privacy concerns (Šolcová et al., 2025).

Challenges and future perspectives

The integration of technology into the home and family, although beneficial, presents significant obstacles that must be addressed to ensure its equitable and safe development.

Main challenges for a fair and safe integration of technology in the home

The integration of technology into the home faces several challenges. First, data privacy and security are paramount concerns (Türkyılmaz & Altindag, 2022). IoT devices, which constantly monitor, require clear data protection policies and explicit consent mechanisms (Albayaydh & Flechais, 2024). Second, equity in access and use. The “digital divide” and social exclusion are factors that prevent certain groups, such as older adults, from fully benefiting from these innovations (Šolcová et al., 2025). Third, the complexity of algorithmic management on labor platforms generates opacity and limits workers’ autonomy, intensifying inequalities (Sloth Laursen et al., 2021) and Alasoini et al., 2023). Finally, the protection of “bystanders”, such as domestic workers, in environments with monitoring devices, is a crucial ethical and design challenge (Albayaydh & Flechais, 2024)(Abu-Salma et al., 2025).

Lines of research and recommendations for public policies

Future research should delve deeper into the long-term impact of technology on family relationships, children’s mental health, and older adults’ well-being (Ortega-Mohedano & Pinto-Hernández, 2021) (Long et al., 2022). A transdisciplinary approach is required to study technology adoption in social computing contexts (Vannoy & Palvia, 2010).

• Technological development: Prioritize user-centered design, with active participation of older adults in assistive technologies (Zager Kocjan et al., 2022).
• Privacy Policies: Implement robust regulations on data collection and use in smart homes, considering power dynamics and contextual influences (Albayaydh & Flechais, 2024).
• Parental Interventions: Promote parent training programs on screen time management for children and adolescents, highlighting intensive interaction as a protective factor.
• Labor regulation: Establish regulatory frameworks for digital platforms that address the transparency of algorithmic management and the protection of workers’ rights, mitigating inequalities (Sloth Laursen et al., 2021).
• Health and well-being: Promote interventions that limit adolescent screen use at night to improve sleep and daytime performance (Perrault et al., 2019).

Conclusion

Summary of key findings

Technology has profoundly reconfigured the family and domestic environment, introducing innovations ranging from smart homes and assistive technologies to digital work platforms. The Internet of Things (IoT) and automation are observed to redefine domestic practices and interpersonal interaction, with implications for privacy and security (Türkyılmaz & Altindag, 2022) and Apthorpe et al., 2019). The use of electronic devices among children and adolescents is associated with risks to mental and physical health, as well as sleep, although parental interventions can mitigate these effects (Ortega-Mohedano & Pinto-Hernández, 2021). Teleworking, for its part, has transformed productivity and family dynamics, with results that vary depending on its mandatory nature (Hackney et al., 2022). While digital platforms offer new employment and organizational opportunities, they also pose challenges related to algorithmic control and inequalities (Alasoini et al., 2023). In the context of older adults, assistive technologies improve autonomy and social connection, provided that barriers such as cost and trust are overcome (Zager Kocjan et al., 2022) and Šolcová et al., 2025).

Reflections on the future of technology in the family and home

The future of technology in the family and home is emerging as a space of constant negotiation between innovation and its social impacts. The evolution toward smarter and more connected home ecosystems demands continued attention to privacy and security protection, especially for those who are not primary users of the devices (Albayaydh & Flechais, 2024) and Abu-Salma et al., 2025). It will be essential to design technologies that foster, rather than replace, healthy human interactions and that support autonomy at all stages of life (Long et al., 2022). Successful integration will require the development of ethical and regulatory frameworks that ensure an equitable distribution of benefits and mitigate the risks associated with the digital divide and new forms of labor control (Sloth Laursen et al., 2021). Collaboration between researchers, technology developers, and policymakers will be crucial to guide these innovations toward a future that prioritizes human well-being and social cohesion.

Introduction

Technology has profoundly permeated the structure and functioning of family units and households, transforming everyday interactions and redefining roles. This phenomenon, framed within “social computing,” describes how information technologies mediate social and business actions, where group interaction shapes individual behavior and incorporation into collectives (Vannoy & Palvia, 2010). Technological integration is not limited to communication tools but ranges from home automation to platforms that restructure work and caregiving. Understanding these dynamics requires a multifaceted analysis of how technology is adopted, embraced, and embedded in society (Vannoy & Palvia, 2010).

Contextualizing technology in family and domestic life

The insertion of technology into domestic environments has evolved beyond mere convenience, affecting the configuration of family life. Digital devices and online platforms, initially conceived for specific purposes, have been appropriated by users for new forms of social interaction and organization (Vannoy & Palvia, 2010). This appropriation has generated technology-enabled social structures, modifying interaction and communication, and introducing changes in everyday practices (Vannoy & Palvia, 2010). The home, traditionally a space of refuge, becomes a hub of connectivity, where technology redefines the boundaries between public and private, and between personal activities and domestic responsibilities (Apthorpe et al., 2019).

Thesis and relevance of innovations in the family environment

Contemporary technological innovations in the family and household are reconfiguring interpersonal relationships, power dynamics, and care structures. The relevance of analyzing these innovations lies in their ability to offer both opportunities for improving quality of life and domestic efficiency, as well as challenges related to privacy, security, and social equity (Türkyılmaz & Altindag, 2022) and Albayaydh & Flechais, 2024). Understanding these phenomena is fundamental for the design of future technologies that harmonize with human needs, as well as for the formulation of public policies that mitigate risks and maximize social benefits. This paper examines how technology intertwines with social expectations, individual capabilities, and family structures, presenting a complex landscape that deserves rigorous consideration.

Recent innovations in technology for the family and home

Technological transformations have given rise to an ecosystem of devices and platforms that are integrated into family life. From automating household tasks to supporting intergenerational communication, these innovations are reshaping the home experience (Zielonka et al., 2021).

Smart homes and home automation

Smart homes, a core component of the Internet of Things (IoT), provide efficient services to users by communicating with various digital devices (Türkyılmaz & Altindag, 2022). These systems, which include sensors, actuators, and energy harvesters, seek to create self-sufficient and multimodal environments for home and healthcare (Shi et al., 2022). The adoption of these technologies, however, faces challenges such as privacy, security, and cost, factors that influence consumers’ purchase intentions (Türkyılmaz & Altindag, 2022).

Internet of Things (IoT) and its integration into everyday life

The ubiquity of the IoT allows smart home appliances to constantly collect information, solving everyday problems (Zielonka et al., 2021). This integration redefines domestic practices, introducing the concept of “digital housekeeping” (Aagaard, 2022). Although often associated with masculine roles in the literature, digital housekeeping also encompasses traditionally feminine tasks such as decoration and cognitive work, revealing complex gender implications (Aagaard, 2022). Home IoT devices also affect interpersonal relationships between residents, generating both benefits and costs that require consideration in future technological design (Apthorpe et al., 2019).

Assistive technologies for older adults and people with special needs

Digital assistive technologies play a role in the autonomy and quality of life of older adults (Zager Kocjan et al., 2022). These tools facilitate self-regulation in various aspects of daily life (Zager Kocjan et al., 2022). The successful adoption of these technologies depends on older adults’ confidence and perceived benefits (Zager Kocjan et al., 2022). Early involvement of users in the development of these technologies is crucial to foster technological self-efficacy (Zager Kocjan et al., 2022). Factors such as social support and health expectations influence the use of technologies for active and healthy aging (Vaziri et al., 2019).

Technological devices in the family context: childhood, adolescence and adulthood

The use of technological devices varies significantly among different age groups within the family, with different implications for each.

Use of electronic devices by children and adolescents

Exposure to electronic devices in children and adolescents has increased, with consequences for development and well-being (Ortega-Mohedano & Pinto-Hernández, 2021). Excessive screen use is associated with an increased risk of mental health problems, reduced sleep, and physical health problems such as obesity (Ortega-Mohedano & Pinto-Hernández, 2021). Intervention in parent-child interaction can reduce screen time, decrease conflict, and improve executive functions in young children. In adolescents, restricting screen use at night improves sleep duration and daytime vigilance (Perrault et al., 2019). Furthermore, hyperactivity/inattention in children is correlated with increased use of touch devices, suggesting a possible use for emotional regulation (Konok & Szőke, 2022).

Impact of teleworking and digital home management

Teleworking, whose adoption accelerated during the pandemic, has redefined household dynamics and productivity (Hackney et al., 2022). Non-mandatory work-from-home arrangements generally have a positive impact on productivity, with 79% of pre-pandemic studies showing improvements (Hackney et al., 2022). However, mandatory or full-time teleworking, especially under external duress such as a pandemic, can have less positive and even detrimental effects (Hackney et al., 2022). Digital household management, facilitated by technology, presents a potential redistribution of gender roles and everyday practices, creating a new locus of control in the household (Aagaard, 2022).

Digital platforms and new forms of domestic work

Digital platforms have introduced new ways of organizing and working in the domestic sphere, transforming the provision of services and task management.

Organization apps and work platforms for household chores

Digital platforms, characterized by a core-periphery architecture, enable and govern a social order through digital interfaces (Ametowobla & Kirchner, 2023). These platforms offer services for home organization and specific tasks. Platform workers, although heterogeneous, exercise their “digital agency” in diverse ways, depending on the platform’s level of algorithmic control (Alasoini et al., 2023). Despite promises of autonomy, “algorithmic management” exerts control over the labor process at various stages, often without transparency, generating a “double autonomy paradox” for young workers (Sloth Laursen et al., 2021).

Transformations in domestic work and care mediated by technology

Smart home technologies, while promising efficiency, can also exacerbate existing power imbalances and gender roles (Aagaard, 2022). In the context of paid domestic work, the privacy of “bystanders” (people not the primary users of the device, such as domestic workers) is a significant concern (Albayaydh & Flechais, 2024). Babysitters, for example, have mixed perspectives on smart devices, being more comfortable with those that do not directly monitor them, such as smart speakers or TVs, than with indoor cameras (Abu-Salma et al., 2025). There is a disconnect between employers’ perceptions and workers’ concerns about monitoring (Abu-Salma et al., 2025).

Social impact of technological innovations on family and home

Technological innovations exert considerable influence on social structures and interactions inside and outside the home, shaping relationships and creating new dilemmas.

Transformations in family dynamics and intergenerational relationships

Technology is redefining family interactions, altering communication and coexistence patterns while offering new avenues for family support.

Communication, connection and coexistence in connected homes

Domestic IoT devices, as has been shown, have a direct impact on interpersonal relationships within the home, presenting both benefits and social costs (Apthorpe et al., 2019). Technological adoption by individuals and its integration into daily life changes the way people interact and communicate (Vannoy & Palvia, 2010). For example, text messaging, originally for subscriber information, has become a vehicle for social behavior (Vannoy & Palvia, 2010). This capacity for socialization through digital media disrupts traditional coexistence, although the precise effect on the quality of family ties requires careful evaluation.

Support for extended and multigenerational families through technology

Technology offers tools to maintain and enhance social relationships, especially in the context of aging. Older adults use technology to maintain social connection (Long et al., 2022). Their decision to use it for social interaction considers effort, quality of interaction, and privacy and security (Long et al., 2022). Intergenerational support—both instrumental, emotional, and financial—positively influences older adults’ willingness to adopt smart home technologies (Wei et al., 2023). This support is crucial for older adults to age in place through technology (Wei et al., 2023).

Privacy, security, and ethical challenges in digital home environments

The proliferation of smart devices in the home raises significant privacy and security concerns, not only for primary users but also for third parties such as domestic workers (Albayaydh & Flechais, 2024) (Abu-Salma et al., 2025). IoT devices are designed to constantly collect data (Shi et al., 2022), raising ethical questions about consent, data use, and monitoring. The lack of transparency in algorithmic management systems exacerbates these concerns, making it difficult for users to understand how their data is being used (Sloth Laursen et al., 2021). Protecting privacy in multi-family settings, especially in households with domestic workers, requires considering contextual influences, power dynamics, and the need for innovative design guidelines (Albayaydh & Flechais, 2024). Clear disclosure and discussion about the use of monitoring devices are critical to mitigating these risks (Abu-Salma et al., 2025).

Social and labor inclusion: opportunities and risks arising from technological platforms

Digital platforms present a mixed picture in terms of social and labor inclusion. They offer flexible work opportunities, as is the case with delivery or freelancing platforms (Alasoini et al., 2023). However, these platforms can also reproduce or amplify existing inequalities in the offline world of work, especially due to algorithmic control (Alasoini et al., 2023). Efficiency optimization on these platforms, often driven by automation and control, can lead to low investment by workers (Frey, 2022). For older adults, technology can be a tool to prevent isolation and improve independence, but its adoption is limited by factors such as cost, lack of specialized skills, and privacy concerns (Šolcová et al., 2025).

Challenges and future perspectives

The integration of technology into the home and family, although beneficial, presents significant obstacles that must be addressed to ensure its equitable and safe development.

Main challenges for a fair and safe integration of technology in the home

The integration of technology into the home faces several challenges. First, data privacy and security are paramount concerns (Türkyılmaz & Altindag, 2022). IoT devices, which constantly monitor, require clear data protection policies and explicit consent mechanisms (Albayaydh & Flechais, 2024). Second, equity in access and use. The “digital divide” and social exclusion are factors that prevent certain groups, such as older adults, from fully benefiting from these innovations (Šolcová et al., 2025). Third, the complexity of algorithmic management on labor platforms generates opacity and limits workers’ autonomy, intensifying inequalities (Sloth Laursen et al., 2021) and Alasoini et al., 2023). Finally, the protection of “bystanders”, such as domestic workers, in environments with monitoring devices, is a crucial ethical and design challenge (Albayaydh & Flechais, 2024)(Abu-Salma et al., 2025).

Lines of research and recommendations for public policies

Future research should delve deeper into the long-term impact of technology on family relationships, children’s mental health, and older adults’ well-being (Ortega-Mohedano & Pinto-Hernández, 2021) (Long et al., 2022). A transdisciplinary approach is required to study technology adoption in social computing contexts (Vannoy & Palvia, 2010).

• Technological development: Prioritize user-centered design, with active participation of older adults in assistive technologies (Zager Kocjan et al., 2022).
• Privacy Policies: Implement robust regulations on data collection and use in smart homes, considering power dynamics and contextual influences (Albayaydh & Flechais, 2024).
• Parental Interventions: Promote parent training programs on screen time management for children and adolescents, highlighting intensive interaction as a protective factor.
• Labor regulation: Establish regulatory frameworks for digital platforms that address the transparency of algorithmic management and the protection of workers’ rights, mitigating inequalities (Sloth Laursen et al., 2021).
• Health and well-being: Promote interventions that limit adolescent screen use at night to improve sleep and daytime performance (Perrault et al., 2019).

Conclusion

Summary of key findings

Technology has profoundly reconfigured the family and domestic environment, introducing innovations ranging from smart homes and assistive technologies to digital work platforms. The Internet of Things (IoT) and automation are observed to redefine domestic practices and interpersonal interaction, with implications for privacy and security (Türkyılmaz & Altindag, 2022) and Apthorpe et al., 2019). The use of electronic devices among children and adolescents is associated with risks to mental and physical health, as well as sleep, although parental interventions can mitigate these effects (Ortega-Mohedano & Pinto-Hernández, 2021). Teleworking, for its part, has transformed productivity and family dynamics, with results that vary depending on its mandatory nature (Hackney et al., 2022). While digital platforms offer new employment and organizational opportunities, they also pose challenges related to algorithmic control and inequalities (Alasoini et al., 2023). In the context of older adults, assistive technologies improve autonomy and social connection, provided that barriers such as cost and trust are overcome (Zager Kocjan et al., 2022) and Šolcová et al., 2025).

Reflections on the future of technology in the family and home

The future of technology in the family and home is emerging as a space of constant negotiation between innovation and its social impacts. The evolution toward smarter and more connected home ecosystems demands continued attention to privacy and security protection, especially for those who are not primary users of the devices (Albayaydh & Flechais, 2024) and Abu-Salma et al., 2025). It will be essential to design technologies that foster, rather than replace, healthy human interactions and that support autonomy at all stages of life (Long et al., 2022). Successful integration will require the development of ethical and regulatory frameworks that ensure an equitable distribution of benefits and mitigate the risks associated with the digital divide and new forms of labor control (Sloth Laursen et al., 2021). Collaboration between researchers, technology developers, and policymakers will be crucial to guide these innovations toward a future that prioritizes human well-being and social cohesion.

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