Digital Fugue: Conceptualizing Situation-Specific Digital Escape in the Context of Social Anxiety and Societal Pressures
Öz
Objective: This study aims to examine individuals’ experiences of turning to digital devices in response to social anxiety and societal pressures they encounter in daily life. Method: The research is a qualitative study conducted using a phenomenological design. Data were collected through semi-structured focus group interviews with 12 participants selected using purposive sampling. The interviews focused on identifying the contexts in which participants turned to digital devices and the emotional and social motivations behind their use. Results: The analysis revealed four main themes: (1) turning to digital devices to avoid social interaction and social pressure, (2) mentally distancing oneself from external stressors, (3) using digital devices as a means of mental escape and anxiety regulation, and (4) the situational and temporary nature of this tendency. Participants reported experiencing a form of mental withdrawal—without disconnecting from their physical surroundings—by using digital devices as a psychological shield in crowded and anxiety-inducing environments. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that individuals’ behavior in turning to digital devices cannot be fully explained by existing concepts based on digital addiction and pathology.
Anahtar Kelimeler
Kaynakça
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Ayrıntılar
Birincil Dil
İngilizce
Konular
Sağlık Psikolojisi
Bölüm
Araştırma Makalesi
Yazarlar
Yalçın Kanbay
0000-0002-8025-9877
Türkiye
Elçin Babaoğlu
*
0000-0002-0952-2652
Türkiye
Aysun Akçam
0000-0001-9428-3942
Türkiye
Erken Görünüm Tarihi
27 Eylül 2026
Yayımlanma Tarihi
-
Gönderilme Tarihi
24 Şubat 2026
Kabul Tarihi
10 Ağustos 2026
Yayımlandığı Sayı
Yıl 2026 Sayı: Advanced Online Publication
