TY  - JOUR
T1  - Traces of Technology: The Transformation of Single Individuals' Perceptions of Loneliness and Social Connections
TT  - Teknolojinin İzleri: Bekar Bireylerin Yalnızlık Algıları ve Sosyal Bağlantılarındaki Dönüşüm
AU  - Girgin, Çağla
PY  - 2025
DA  - May
Y2  - 2025
DO  - 10.26466/opusjsr.1658993
JF  - OPUS Journal of Society Research
JO  - OPUS JSR
PB  - İdeal Kent Yayınları
WT  - DergiPark
SN  - 2791-9862
SP  - 474
EP  - 485
VL  - 22
IS  - 3
LA  - en
AB  - This study aims to examine the impact of digital technologies on the perceptions of loneliness and social connections among single individuals aged 18-35. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 44 participants. Findings were categorized into five main themes: General Experience and Perceptions, Social Connections and Relationships, Loneliness and Digital Interaction, Advantages and Disadvantages of Digital Technologies, and Singlehood and Digital Experiences. Participants reported that digital technologies both strengthen and make social relationships more superficial. Social media provides short-term relief for loneliness, but it is insufficient in the long run. While digital platforms contribute to socialization, the lack of face-to-face interaction reduces emotional satisfaction. This study provides valuable insights into the dynamics between loneliness and social connections in the digital age. It is recommended to develop strategies in social work and psychology to utilize digital tools more effectively in addressing loneliness.
KW  - Digital technologies
KW  - perception of loneliness
KW  - social connections
KW  - singlehood
KW  - digital interaction
N2  - Bu araştırma, dijital teknolojilerin 18-35 yaş arasındaki bekâr bireylerin yalnızlık algıları ve sosyal bağlantıları üzerindeki etkilerini incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Çalışmada, 44 katılımcı ile gerçekleştirilen yarı yapılandırılmış görüşmeler yoluyla veri toplanmıştır. Bulgular, beş ana tema etrafında şekillenmiştir: Genel Deneyim ve Algılar, Sosyal Bağlantılar ve İlişkiler, Yalnızlık ve Dijital Etkileşim, Dijital Teknolojilerin Avantaj ve Dezavantajları, Bekârlık ve Dijital Deneyimler. Katılımcılar, dijital teknolojilerin sosyal ilişkileri hem güçlendirdiğini hem de yüzeysel hale getirdiğini belirtmiştir. Yalnızlık hissiyle başa çıkmada sosyal medyanın kısa vadeli çözümler sunduğu, ancak uzun vadede yetersiz kaldığı görülmüştür. Dijital platformların bireylerin sosyalleşmesine katkı sağlarken, yüz yüze iletişim eksikliğinin duygusal tatmini azalttığı belirlenmiştir. Bu çalışma, dijital çağda yalnızlık ve sosyal bağlantılar arasındaki dinamikleri anlamaya yönelik önemli bulgular sunmaktadır. Sosyal hizmet ve psikoloji alanlarında, yalnızlıkla başa çıkmada dijital araçların nasıl daha etkili kullanılabileceğine dair stratejilerin geliştirilmesi önerilmektedir.
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UR  - https://doi.org/10.26466/opusjsr.1658993
L1  - https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/4695534
ER  -