Traces of Technology: The Transformation of Single Individuals' Perceptions of Loneliness and Social Connections

Çağla Girgin

doi:10.26466/opusjsr.1658993

EN TR

Traces of Technology: The Transformation of Single Individuals' Perceptions of Loneliness and Social Connections

Abstract

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.

Keywords

Digital technologies , perception of loneliness , social connections , singlehood , digital interaction

Teknolojinin İzleri: Bekar Bireylerin Yalnızlık Algıları ve Sosyal Bağlantılarındaki Dönüşüm

Öz

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.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Dijital teknolojiler , yalnızlık algısı , sosyal bağlantılar , bekârlık , dijital etkileşim

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Social Media Studies , Communication and Media Studies (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Çağla Girgin ^*
0000-0001-8440-6320
Türkiye

Early Pub Date

May 26, 2025

Publication Date

May 31, 2025

Submission Date

March 16, 2025

Acceptance Date

May 24, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 22 Number: 3

DOI

https://doi.org/10.26466/opusjsr.1658993

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA95MD63KK

APA

Girgin, Ç. (2025). Traces of Technology: The Transformation of Single Individuals’ Perceptions of Loneliness and Social Connections. OPUS Journal of Society Research, 22(3), 474-485. https://doi.org/10.26466/opusjsr.1658993

Traces of Technology: The Transformation of Single Individuals' Perceptions of Loneliness and Social Connections

Abstract

Keywords

Teknolojinin İzleri: Bekar Bireylerin Yalnızlık Algıları ve Sosyal Bağlantılarındaki Dönüşüm

Öz

Anahtar Kelimeler

References

Details

Primary Language

Subjects

Journal Section

Authors

Early Pub Date

Publication Date

Submission Date

Acceptance Date

Published in Issue

DOI

IZ

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