Digital Identities, AI Ethics and Mental Health

This highly topical book provides an integrated framework for understanding how artificial intelligence, personality traits, gender, and cultural contexts shape youth digital engagement and mental health outcomes.

Grounded in cyberpsychology and extensive empirical research, AI ethics, and developmental psychology, this book addresses the urgent need for evidence-based approaches to supporting young people's well-being in an increasingly AI-mediated digital world. It explores the dual nature of digital technology, offering unique opportunities for connection, learning, and self-expression while simultaneously introducing distinctive risks to mental health and well-being. It examines how personality trait models mediate the effects of cyber behavior on well-being and ethical AI engagement. Further topics include an exploration of AI as an active participant in shaping youth behavior and identity, how personality traits significantly predict resilience to online risks and ethical AI engagement, gender differences in digital engagement creating distinct opportunities and vulnerabilities, cultural contexts fundamentally shaping cyber behaviors and ethical perspectives, and that ethical AI design must prioritize youth developmental vulnerabilities. With actionable recommendations to foster digital well-being and responsible AI use, this book is a comprehensive guide for promoting ethical and psychologically healthy digital practices.

The unique blend of theoretical insights, empirical data, and practical interventions makes this book an essential resource for students and academics in cyberpsychology, social psychology and identity, AI ethics, cyber behavior studies, and mental health. It will also be of interest to mental health professionals, researchers, policymakers, and educators interested in understanding the impact of cyber behaviors on youth well-being.