Conceptual Reconsideration of Emotion Regulation in the Digital Age: A Narrative Review

Abstract

This study aims to conceptually reconsider emotion regulation in the context of contemporary digital and technological transformations through an integrative narrative review of the theoretical literature. This research adopted a qualitative narrative review design focused on theoretical analysis of scholarly literature. Data were collected through a systematic review of studies related to emotion regulation, digital psychology, new media, and human–technology interaction. A total of 12 peer-reviewed articles with strong conceptual relevance were purposefully selected. Data analysis was conducted using qualitative interpretive analysis, and coding and categorization processes were carried out with NVivo software (version 14). The review process continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. The findings indicate that emotion regulation in the digital age has shifted from a predominantly intrapersonal process to a contextual, interactive, and partially technology-mediated phenomenon. Accelerated emotional cycles, fragmented attention, algorithm-driven emotional shaping, and increased reliance on digital feedback emerged as key conceptual changes. In addition, the results highlighted both emerging emotional vulnerabilities and new opportunities for reconstructing adaptive emotion regulation strategies in digital environments. The study underscores the need to revise classical emotion regulation models and develop conceptual frameworks aligned with digital realities. Emotion regulation in the digital age should be understood as a co-regulatory process between individuals and technology, requiring integrated attention to psychological, technological, and ethical dimensions.