Published: October 2026

Keywords:
Human relationships, Romantic love and companionship, Isolation vs. Connection, Social Media, Contemporary research findings, Art and Philosophy, Digital intimacy, Analog world, Psychotherapeutic / Clinical practice, Existential drama, Reflection / Critical reflection.

Panagiota Papasteriou

Panagiota Papasteriou is a Psychologist (Lancaster University, UK) and Systemic Psychotherapist (Systemic Institute of Thessaloniki). She possesses extensive clinical and field experience, having worked for many years in addiction treatment facilities (KETHEA, 18-Ano), in psychosocial support for adult and adolescent refugees (NGO "Antigone"), as well as in prevention and awareness programs for parents and teachers regarding violent/self-destructive behaviors in adolescents (Non-Violent Resistance Network). Since 2016, she has been in private practice, offering in-person and online psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, couples, and families. Alongside her practice, she is the Academic Head of the Counseling Center at Mediterranean College Thessaloniki, where she serves as a psychotherapist for students and as a supervisor for postgraduate psychology students. She currently collaborates as a supervisor and trainer with the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling, having also collaborated in the past with the Systemic Institute of Cyprus. She has served the Board of Directors of the Systemic Association of Northern Greece (SANG) where she remains a member and is also a member of the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association.

Abstract

What is it that isolates us, and what is it that connects us in human relationships? What does it mean to love, and what does it mean to fall in love? In the modern era of technological and scientific triumph, of speed, Artificial Intelligence, and social media, have we managed to find our answers? If so, do they fulfill us, do they truly guide us in our relationships? And if not, back in the day, during the years of the analog world, did people connect more “truly,” more “deeply”?

This lecture explores the subject of human relationships - specifically romantic love and companionship - in the age of social media dominance, and reflects on how all this may impact the clinical practice of psychotherapy.