Work

Digital technology, emotions, and social relationships in dementia care: A narrative review

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: The aim of this review is to explore how the (dis)affordances of digital technologies-such as robots, game consoles, tablet computers, and virtual environments-shape the quality of the social relationships between care workers and residents in dementia care. Using a narrative review methodology, we analyzed 15 peer-reviewed articles published between 2012 and 2023 through thematic analysis. The findings are organized around three contrasting emotional dimensions: comfort-discomfort, joy-anger, and safety-vulnerability. Comfort and discomfort were primarily linked to everyday conversations, joy and anger to experiences of play and entertainment, and safety and vulnerability to how effectively care workers safeguarded residents' sense of security. These results demonstrate that emotional expressions are not only outcomes of interpersonal interaction but are also mediated by technological affordances. Supporting care workers in recognizing and responding to these emotional dynamics is therefore crucial for ensuring that digital technologies enhance residents' well-being and help sustain secure social bonds in dementia care.

Source: Digital Health

DOI: 10.1177/20552076251411208

Authors: Marcus Persson, Ann-Charlotte Bivall, Elin Thunman

Institutions: Linköping University, Uppsala University

Language: English

Topic: Technology Use by Older Adults

Subfield: Geriatrics and Gerontology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,000