Lived Experiences of Loneliness in Digital Connectivity among Young Adults

Abstract

Loneliness in the digital age has emerged as a critical area of study within the social sciences, particularly as online platforms increasingly shape patterns of interpersonal communication. Within this context, the paradox of being “connected but lonely” has drawn attention to the subjective meanings individuals attach to their digital interactions. What remains unclear is how individuals experience and interpret emotional isolation despite frequent online engagement, raising the central question of how loneliness is constructed in digitally mediated relationships. This study employs interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to explore the lived experiences of young adults and to reveal the essential meanings underlying their sense of connection and disconnection. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with purposively selected participants aged 18 to 30 who self-reported feelings of loneliness alongside active social media use. Transcripts were analyzed through iterative coding and thematic clustering, resulting in four central themes: the paradox of connectivity and isolation, performative interaction, silent comparisons, and the search for authentic spaces. These findings indicate that loneliness arises not from limited contact but from a lack of meaningful intimacy, as participants struggle to reconcile digital presence with emotional fulfilment. The study contributes a richer understanding of digital loneliness by emphasizing its experiential and interpretative dimensions, thereby addressing limitations in prior quantitative research. However, this study is limited by its small, purposively selected sample and its focus on self-reported experiences, which may not fully capture the diversity of digital loneliness across broader populations. Future research should therefore incorporate cross-cultural or longitudinal approaches to deepen generalizability. Practically, the findings suggest that digital well-being initiatives and social media design should prioritize fostering authentic interaction and emotional resonance rather than mere connectivity, offering guidance for educators, policymakers, and technology developers in promoting healthier online social environments.