Exploring the Emotional Impact of Digital Communication on Social Relationships in Young Adults: A Phenomenological Study
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Abstract
Digital communication technologies have significantly transformed social interactions, creating new dynamics in human relationships. However, while much research has explored the broad implications of digital communication, the emotional and subjective experiences of individuals remain underexplored. This study aims to address this gap by investigating how individuals perceive and emotionally engage with digital communication, focusing specifically on its effects on social relationships. We use a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of individuals navigating online communication and its impact on face-to-face interactions. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 12 participants, key findings highlight that while digital communication fosters connectivity, it often lacks emotional depth, leading to a sense of detachment in offline interactions. These results underscore the complex interplay between digital platforms and social intimacy, offering deeper insights into the emotional aspects of digital communication. Our findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how digital communication influences human relationships and suggest that future studies should focus on emotional engagement and the role of different platforms in shaping social connections.
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