Measuring the Humanistic Impact of Digital Technologies on Happiness A Cross-Cultural Analysis

Nuke Puji Lestari Santoso; Migunani Migunani; Lukita Pasha; Muhammad Rifat Syauqy; Noah Rangi

Authors

Nuke Puji Lestari Santoso University of Raharja https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4414-2102
Migunani Migunani Universitas Sains dan Teknologi Komputer https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8551-2157
Lukita Pasha University of Raharja https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2367-8476
Muhammad Rifat Syauqy Kreatif Desain Group https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4582-5693
Noah Rangi Pandawan Incorporation https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6616-956X

Keywords:

Digital technologies, Happiness, Humanistic impact, Cross-cultural, PLS-SEM

Abstract

The rapid advancement of digital technologies has transformed social interaction, daily activities, and individual well-being across societies. While prior studies emphasize economic and technological outcomes, limited attention has been given to the humanistic impact of digital technologies on happiness across cultural contexts. This study aims to measure the humanistic impact of digital technologies on happiness through a cross-cultural analysis. A quantitative research design was employed using survey data collected from multiple countries representing diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds. Digital technologies were conceptualized as a multidimensional construct encompassing digital access, usage intensity, digital inclusion, and human-centered digital engagement, while happiness was measured using subjective well-being indicators. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS, including measurement model evaluation, structural model assessment, and multi-group analysis to examine cross-cultural differences. The findings demonstrate that digital technologies have a positive effect on happiness when they support humanistic values such as social connectedness, autonomy, and inclusivity. However, the strength of these relationships varies across cultural groups, indicating the moderating role of cultural norms. This study contributes to the literature by integrating a humanistic perspective into digital well-being research and offers implications for policymakers and technology designers globally applicable.

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