This contribution introduces the research themes of the monographic part of this issue of Versus, which concern the impact that digital technologies have on contemporary life, especially on our cognitive ways and on our everyday habits. For this purpose an innovative comparison between semiotics and aesthetics is proposed, through the various contributions. In particular, the concept of imagination, the modifications to which it is exposed, and the role of the arts in exploring them critically are investigated. In addition, some of the most widespread online practices, the use of languages and forms of life that encourage, between creativity and automatism, are also deepened.