abstract

The rapid evolution of digital technology has reshaped the landscape of human motivation and self-concept. Drawing upon Alfred Adler’s theory of striving for superiority and social interest (Gemeinschaftsgefühl), this paper examines how individuals pursue self-enhancement, recognition, and belonging in the digital age. Using conceptual synthesis from contemporary psychological and sociocultural research (2010–2025), it investigates the dual nature of striving in virtual environments-its potential to foster creativity, learning, and social change, and its risk of producing narcissism, alienation, and inferiority. Empirical findings are integrated into conceptual tables highlighting relationships between striving, social interest, and well-being. The analysis reveals that while digital platforms intensify competitive striving, they also offer unprecedented opportunities for community engagement and cooperative superiority. The paper concludes that the balance between individual ambition and collective empathy remains central to psychological health, reaffirming Adler’s principle that true superiority manifests through contribution, not domination.