The Role of New Media in Social Interactions: Implications for Mental Health and Well-being

New media has profoundly transformed how people interact and form relationships, both online and offline. Social interactions, a fundamental aspect of human behavior, play a crucial role in psychological well-being, self-perception, and public mental health. With the rise of social media platforms, online communities, and extended reality (XR) environments, digital interactions now shape social engagement in ways that transcend geographical boundaries. While these technologies create new opportunities for social connection, their effects on well-being, self-assessment, and social functioning across different age groups remain underexplored. This research topic aims to bridge this gap by examining the psychological and psychiatric implications of new media on social behavior, investigating both risks and opportunities for mental health interventions.

Research on social withdrawal, interpersonal dynamics, and self-presentation has provided valuable insights into the interplay between digital interactions and mental health. Studies have highlighted how new media influences psychological states, self-efficacy, and interpersonal relationships. Additionally, the integration of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) technologies has expanded the landscape of social interaction, offering novel therapeutic applications and research methodologies. As these technologies continue to evolve, it is critical to understand their impact on social relationships and mental well-being to develop effective interventions and support systems.

This research topic welcomes empirical research, theoretical explorations, and comprehensive literature reviews focusing on the intersection of new media, social interaction, and mental health. We invite contributions employing quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches to advance our understanding of these pressing issues. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• The impact of new media on social withdrawal behaviors (e.g., shyness, avoidance, unsociability) and their implications for psychological well-being across different age groups.

• The influence of online social interactions on self-assessment and well-being, particularly in educational contexts (e.g., online study rooms).

• The role of "social face" and public perception in online social environments and their effects on self-efficacy and social functioning.

• Applications of and methodological advances in VR/AR/XR technologies for assessing, understanding, and treating mental illnesses (characterized by social impairment).

• Neural and psychological mechanisms underlying social interactions in virtual environments and their relationship to real-world social behaviors

• Cross-cultural comparisons of how new media affects psychological health and social interactions.

• The role of new media in information dissemination and its impact on mental health.

By gathering cutting-edge research on these topics, this research topic aims to enhance our understanding of how digital and immersive technologies shape social interactions and mental health. We look forward to contributions that will inform future research, clinical practice, and policy development in this rapidly evolving field.