All the Feels - How to Stay Human in the Digital World

By: Pamela Pavliscak

Published by Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 2026-06-09

A revelatory exploration of how our online lives can enrich human connections rather than destroy them, to help us all stay sane on the internet



While it's great to go outside and touch grass, the reality is that we spend most of life with our screens, whether for school, work, or socializing. Luckily, a growing body of research shows that the variety of ever-more tailored ways that the internet allows us to connect with people has actually improved our ability to name and communicate our feelings. That, in turn, expands our emotional range and benefits our mental health.



In All the Feels, tech and emotional design researcher Pamela Pavliscak reveals for the first time how being so plugged in shapes our emotions. Surprisingly, studies shows that digital detoxes have little effect on happiness. Instead, how we engage with the internet (rather than how much) profoundly shapes our lives. Even simple habits like sending emojis to our friends to signal nuance, or making a few positive digital connections every day, can meaningfully support emotional well-being. Pavliscak shows readers how we can open our phones and rather than anxiety-spiral, foster all the good feels.