This monographic issue of The Sandwicher explores the relationship between algorithms, markets and human relationships, examining how digital platforms are transforming the way we meet, choose, build trust and experience intimacy.

Starting from the phenomenon of dating apps, the issue broadens its perspective far beyond dating itself, showing how the attention economy, artificial intelligence and platform business models have created a new market: the market for human relationships.

Through contributions combining economics, philosophy, psychology, sociology, geopolitics and behavioural sciences, the issue explores topics such as the financialisation of intimacy, algorithms of desire, dark patterns, synthetic relationships and the growing role of data in shaping social connections.

The aim is not to criticise technology, but to understand its impact on trust, social capital, demographics and the future of our communities. Because today, every swipe is much more than a choice between two profiles: it is a small economic decision within one of the most sophisticated behavioural markets ever created.

This monographic issue of The Sandwicher explores loneliness in all its nuances, without oversimplifying it, in order to make it easier to understand and share.

Contemporary loneliness is no longer simply a matter of isolation. It often emerges even in environments filled with people, stimuli and connections. The issue highlights how the real problem today is not the absence of contact, but rather the fragility of bonds and the superficial nature of many relationships. Loneliness is therefore examined not only as a personal experience, but also as a structural phenomenon involving cities, technology, work, communities and politics.

The sixth issue of The Sandwicher is out!

The central theme: WE WILL LIVE LONGER. BUT WITH WHAT MONEY? This issue examines longevity as one of the most significant economic, social and cultural transformations of our time, extending far beyond the biological milestone of living longer.

The focus is on financial longevity and the sustainability of pension systems, with an analysis of the role played by finance and fintech. It also explores how biotechnology is turning longevity into a strategic national asset for Italy. The challenges posed by ageing for public administration and urban longevity are also examined. An essential analysis for understanding the future we are moving towards.