Segni del tempo: Il volto anziano nell’era digitale

This volume explores the semiotic, cultural, and technological dimensions of aging in contemporary digital societies, with a particular focus on the elderly face as a central interface of identity, communication, and social interaction. Bringing together interdisciplinary perspectives from semiotics, philosophy, sociology, design, cognitive sciences, and media studies, the book examines the intersection between two major contemporary transformations: the demographic aging of global populations and the pervasive integration of digital technologies into everyday life. Rather than framing aging solely as a medical or technological problem, the contributions propose a humanistic and interpretative approach that considers the symbolic meanings of technology for older adults and the cultural construction of aging itself. The elderly face emerges as both a biological and cultural phenomenon, shaped by social practices, representational media, and algorithmic systems such as facial recognition and artificial intelligence. Through theoretical analyses, ethical reflections, and applied case studies—including the EUFACETS project—the volume investigates how digital platforms, images, and narratives can support intergenerational communication, memory preservation, and inclusive forms of social participation. Ultimately, the book argues for a semiotically informed design of digital technologies that values narrative, relational meaning, and human experience, challenging ageist stereotypes and promoting a more empathetic and culturally grounded vision of aging in the digital era.