Pedro Rodrigues Costa, researcher at CICANT and Lusófona University, has published a new book exploring the impact of digital culture on contemporary life.
Titled Homo Reactivus: Consequences of Cyberculture for a New World and released by Edições Húmus, the work examines how constant exposure to digital environments is shaping behaviours, often favouring reactive over active attitudes.
Drawing on findings from the World Happiness Report 2026, the book highlights how more active approaches to life are linked to higher levels of well-being. It also raises concerns about the growing dominance of reactivity, driven by algorithms and platform dynamics, and its potential effects on critical thinking, autonomy, and social life.
The book offers a timely reflection and invites readers to adopt more conscious and proactive forms of engagement in the digital age. It is available online through platforms such as Edições Húmus, Wook, Bertrand and Puvill.