Digital Era Could Erode Trust and Social Capital, Scholars Warn

EDUCAST, Scholars and academicians have warned that rapid digital transformation could have significant implications for trust, social relationships and social capital in society.

Speaking at the plenary session of the International Conference of St. Xavier’s College (ICSXC-2026) in Maitighar, Kathmandu, Prof. Jay Kishigami of the Web Consortium Asia Pacific said the digital transformation (DX) era could contribute to the erosion of trust and social capital. Delivering a keynote address on “Does Digital Society Make Us Happy?”, Prof. Kishigami emphasized that cultural change is among the most significant impacts of the digital era.

He said the effects of digital transformation are already visible in everyday life and that technological advancement should also be considered from social and cultural perspectives.

Another keynote speaker, Prof. Gulmora Hundley of the University of Central Florida, highlighted the growing importance of mental health and institutional responsibility. She argued that mental health cannot be separated from culture and the environment in which young people live and study.

“Despite access to hundreds of resources online, youths are experiencing profound loneliness,” Hundley said, stressing that resilience does not develop in isolation.

The third ICSXC-2026, held under the theme “Reimagining the Global Future with Youth at the Crossroads of Change,” brought together researchers, scholars and academicians to discuss the transformative role of young and early-stage scholars in shaping the future of the digital era.

More than 300 research students, scholars and academicians from the Philippines, Japan, India, Spain, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, Nepal and other countries participated in the conference.

The biennial academic conference concluded with the announcement of the fourth ICSXC-2028, scheduled for September 14–15, 2028.

ICSXC-2026 was co-hosted by Ritsumeikan University, Japan; Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain; Web Consortium Asia Pacific; and Women’s Christian College, India.

The conference provided an international platform for academic discussions on digital transformation, youth, culture, mental health and the changing global landscape.

For expert interviews and further information, St. Xavier’s College has provided contacts from its Journalism & Mass Communication and ICT departments.