Globalization has profoundly transformed societal dynamics, bringing attention to phenomena such as anomie and identity fragmentation. Additionally, the digital era, marked by social media, digitalization, and information overload, has significantly influenced human neurobiology, altering cognitive patterns, emotional responses, and biological functions. This study examines the relationship between anomie, identity fragmentation, and the neurobiological impacts of globalization, with a focus on how rapid social changes weaken social norms and cohesion. Using a qualitative, exploratory approach, the research synthesizes relevant theories, concepts, and empirical data, situating globalization as a framework that connects these phenomena. The findings reveal that anomie, as described by Émile Durkheim, refers to the weakening of social norms that leaves individuals directionless and diminishes social cohesion. Identity fragmentation, on the other hand, arises from environmental, cultural, and digital pressures that disrupt individual identity. From a neuroscientific perspective, these conditions affect brain function, including heightened stress due to amygdala hyperactivation, reduced emotional regulation by the prefrontal cortex, and increased reliance on the brain's reward system through social media validation. Social isolation, linked to anomie, further reduces oxytocin production, exacerbating alienation and interpersonal disconnection. This study highlights the critical need for integrative approaches to address the socio-neurobiological impacts of globalization.
This study does not require approval from an ethics committee as it is solely based on literary text analysis. Object of study and does not involve human or animal subjects, nor does it use sensitive personal data. Therefore, there are no ethical risks necessitating review or approval by an ethics committee.
We extend our gratitude to KOPI ALINEA for being an exceptional collaborative partner in this research. The support provided, both in terms of access to information and opportunities for discussion, has greatly enriched our insights and accelerated the research process. We hope that KOPI ALINEA will continue to serve as a hub for collaboration among academics.
Globalization has profoundly transformed societal dynamics, bringing attention to phenomena such as anomie and identity fragmentation. Additionally, the digital era, marked by social media, digitalization, and information overload, has significantly influenced human neurobiology, altering cognitive patterns, emotional responses, and biological functions. This study examines the relationship between anomie, identity fragmentation, and the neurobiological impacts of globalization, with a focus on how rapid social changes weaken social norms and cohesion. Using a qualitative, exploratory approach, the research synthesizes relevant theories, concepts, and empirical data, situating globalization as a framework that connects these phenomena. The findings reveal that anomie, as described by Émile Durkheim, refers to the weakening of social norms that leaves individuals directionless and diminishes social cohesion. Identity fragmentation, on the other hand, arises from environmental, cultural, and digital pressures that disrupt individual identity. From a neuroscientific perspective, these conditions affect brain function, including heightened stress due to amygdala hyperactivation, reduced emotional regulation by the prefrontal cortex, and increased reliance on the brain's reward system through social media validation. Social isolation, linked to anomie, further reduces oxytocin production, exacerbating alienation and interpersonal disconnection. This study highlights the critical need for integrative approaches to address the socio-neurobiological impacts of globalization.
| Primary Language | English |
|---|---|
| Subjects | Philosophical and Social Foundations of Education, Philosophy Education, Citizenship, Social Policy (Other) |
| Journal Section | Research Article |
| Authors | |
| Submission Date | February 4, 2025 |
| Acceptance Date | February 2, 2026 |
| Publication Date | March 31, 2026 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.31455/asya.1632789 |
| IZ | https://izlik.org/JA97BM95FN |
| Published in Issue | Year 2026 Issue: 35 |
Works published in the journal Asian Studies are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.