Digital Loneliness in Social Media: The Epoch of our Connected and Distraction World

The issue of addressing the manifestations of loneliness on public health and well-being has entered a new digital epoch. Our perceptions of loneliness are influenced, to some extent, by the cultures in which we inhabit. When our social dependencies have become detached and fragmented from where we reside, the question arises: What is happening in this highly interconnected world? Do individuals collectively have a sense of loneliness while being in the presence and interactions of others on social media? Does the prevalence of information distractions in today’s society contribute to the intensification of loneliness? All of these concerned questions are pertinent and worthy of further study. Moreover, as an ongoing debate in social media and in numerous nations, digital loneliness has turned into a government policy agenda. This study employs a multidisciplinary approach to examine the intersection of socio-psychology and human-computer interaction (HCI). Through a thematic literature review, we aim to elucidate a comprehensive and well-defined understanding of the concept of digital loneliness. Additionally, we explore the relationship between digital loneliness and social interactions, as well as the latest technological interventions designed to address this issue. The review interpreted that (1) there is rising concern that as we go into the digital age and our interconnectedness and well-being may decline. Chronic loneliness is also linked to various negative health effects. (2) According to studies, lonely persons may use social media to seek “social support” and make up for their limited face-to-face interactions. This study also found that lonely people utilize problematic social media more. (3) Technology can improve social connectivity, reducing loneliness in elderly persons. However, technological interventions for loneliness, especially in frail and institutionalized older individuals, have received minimal attention.