The role of technology in users’ wellbeing: Conceptualizing digital wellbeing in hospitality and future research directions

Mental health concerns due to excess use of technology, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, require increased research studies that explore the role of technology in users’ wellbeing. This article aims to provide a conceptualization of digital wellbeing (DWB) in hospitality, or wellbeing in digital settings. An integrative literature review was used to identify three main enablers of DWB in hospitality: digital devices, digital interfaces, and digital applications. A conceptual model of DWB in the hospitality industry was created emphasizing the importance of designing digital experiences that foster positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and achievement of users to support their hedonic and eudaimonic wellbeing. The paper provides insights for the hospitality sector to enhance DWB. Future research should focus on empirical analyses of users’ perceptions to refine and validate the proposed model and examine ethical issues concerning digital wellbeing.