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Article history:
Received 15 November 2022
Revised 10 December 2022
Accepted 18 December 2022
Published online 01 January 2023
KMANPUB
AI and Tech in Behavioral and Social Sciences Vol. 1 No. 1 (2023): 27-34
Digital Intimacy: How Technology Shapes Friendships and
Romantic Relationships
Kamdin Parsakia1, Mehdi Rostami1*
1 Department of Psychology and Counseling, KMAN Research Institute, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
* Corresponding author email address: mehdirostami@kmanresce.ca
A r t i c l e I n f o
A B S T R A C T
Article type:
Original Research
How to cite this article:
Parsakia, K., & Rostami, M. (2023).
Digital Intimacy: How Technology
Shapes Friendships and Romantic
Relationships. AI and Tech in Behavioral
and Social Sciences, 1(1), 27-34.
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.aitech.1.1.5
© 2024 the authors. Published by KMAN
Publication Inc. (KMANPUB), Ontario,
Canada. This is an open access article
under the terms of the Creative Commons
Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0
International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.
The objective of this study is to investigate the dynamics of digital intimacy,
including how individuals use digital platforms to initiate, maintain, and navigate
their personal relationships. It seeks to identify the main themes related to digital
intimacy, the challenges and benefits associated with it, and the strategies
individuals employ to manage their digital relationships. Employing a qualitative
research design, this study conducted semi-structured interviews with 28
participants divided into two groups: individuals involved in digital relationships
and professionals in the fields of psychology, sociology, and technology. The
interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes and
categories related to digital intimacy. The study identified seven main themes
associated with digital intimacy: Formation of Digital Intimacy, Maintenance of
Relationships, Challenges of Digital Intimacy, Benefits of Digital Intimacy,
Navigating Digital and Offline Worlds, Evolution of Digital Intimacy, and
Characteristics of Digital Intimacy. These themes encompass various aspects of
digital relationships, including the initiation and maintenance processes, the role of
digital platforms in facilitating emotional connections, and the challenges of
privacy, security, and miscommunication. Digital intimacy plays a significant role
in shaping modern friendships and romantic relationships, offering both
opportunities and challenges. While digital platforms facilitate the formation and
maintenance of connections across distances, they also introduce complexities in
communication, privacy, and the integration of digital and offline lives.
Understanding these dynamics is essential for individuals and professionals
working to navigate the digital landscape of personal relationships.
Keywords: Digital Intimacy, Personal Relationships, Online Communication, Social Media,
Privacy.
1. Introduction
he advent of the digital age has ushered in profound
changes in the way individuals form, maintain, and
understand relationships, giving rise to the concept of
digital intimacy. This phenomenon has become a focal
point for scholarly inquiry as technology increasingly
mediates personal interactions, reshaping the landscape of
human connections in both visible and nuanced ways.
Digital intimacy encapsulates the myriad ways in which
individuals leverage digital media platforms to exchange
personal details, thoughts, and emotions, fostering
connections that transcend the limitations of physical
proximity (Lupton, 2017). This evolution in relationship
T
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dynamics prompts a reevaluation of intimacy in the digital
era, questioning the depth and authenticity of connections
formed and maintained through screens.
The scholarly debate surrounding digital intimacy is
complex and multifaceted, touching on a variety of aspects
from the transformation of social media platforms by
personal relationships to their role in creating new forms of
intimacy (Chambers, 2016). This discourse is not limited to
romantic partnerships but extends to friendships and
familial bonds, each affected differently by the digital
revolution. The exploration of how LGBTQ+ youth utilize
dating apps not just for romance but as a means of finding
community and safety further illustrates the diverse
applications of digital platforms in forming intimate
connections (Byron et al., 2020). These digital intimate
publics serve as battlegrounds where social and sexual
communication practices intertwine, revealing the layered
complexities of digital intimacy.
Another dimension of this discussion focuses on the role
of algorithms and data analytics in shaping intimate
relationships. The notion that intimacy can be engineered
or enhanced through digital technologies highlights the
intersection between human emotion and computational
logic, offering insights into how personal connections
evolve in an age of ubiquitous digital engagement (Wiehn,
2022). This interplay between technology and intimacy
raises critical questions about the authenticity and depth of
relationships fostered under the influence of algorithmic
mediation.
The impact of digital technology extends beyond
romantic and sexual relationships to influence the dynamics
of friendship and familial bonds. The study of international
students and transnational families has shed light on how
digital media supports the maintenance of family
relationships across distances. Yet, the emotional richness
of friendships and the role of intimacy within support
networks often remain underexplored, suggesting a gap in
our understanding of digital intimacy from a culturally
comparative perspective (Sinanan & Gomes, 2020).
Furthermore, the educative potential of digital intimacies,
particularly in the realm of sex education and the
negotiation of relationships among young people,
underscores the multifunctionality of digital platforms in
facilitating learning and exploration in intimate domains
(Scott et al., 2020).
As the digital realm becomes increasingly central to the
formation and sustenance of relationships, the importance
of face-to-face interactions in validating and deepening the
trust and intimacy developed through digital means has
been emphasized (Lai & Fung, 2019). This highlights a
paradox at the heart of digital intimacy: while technology
enables connections that might otherwise be impossible, it
also prompts a reconsideration of what constitutes genuine
intimacy. The evolution of friendship quality within digital
spaces, particularly among adolescents, further illustrates
how digital interactions mirror offline dynamics, including
validation, conflict resolution, and intimacy (Angelini et
al., 2022). This reflection of offline relationships in digital
contexts underscores the adaptability of human connections
to technological advancements.
Moreover, the exploration of digital platforms in
facilitating collaborative practices among employees and
balancing work-family life dynamics illustrates the broader
implications of digital intimacy beyond personal
relationships (Leonardi et al., 2019). The orchestration of
relationships in digital contexts reflects a broader societal
shift towards integrating technology into the fabric of daily
life, blurring the lines between personal and professional
spheres.
In synthesizing these diverse perspectives, it becomes
clear that digital intimacy is a multifaceted phenomenon
that encompasses a wide range of human experiences.
From fostering new forms of connection to reshaping
existing relationships, technology plays a pivotal role in
defining the contours of intimacy in the 21st century. This
study aims to delve deeper into these dynamics, exploring
the complexities of digital intimacy through the lens of
those who navigate its challenges and opportunities daily.
2. Methods and Materials
2.1. Study Design and Participants
This study employed a qualitative research design to
explore the nuances of digital intimacy and its impact on
friendships and romantic relationships. Our aim was to
understand the subjective experiences of individuals
navigating their personal connections through digital
platforms and to gather insights from professionals in the
field of psychology, sociology, and technology. By
focusing on qualitative data, we aimed to capture the depth
and complexity of digital intimacy phenomena that
quantitative methods might overlook.
Participants were recruited using a purposive sampling
technique to ensure a diverse representation of experiences
with digital intimacy. The sample included individuals of
varying ages, sexual orientations, relationship statuses, and
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cultural backgrounds. Inclusion criteria required
participants to have had experience with maintaining
friendships or romantic relationships through digital means
(e.g., social media, messaging apps, online dating
platforms) for at least one year. Additionally, professionals
working within the realms of psychology, sociology, or
technology and specializing in digital communication or
relationships were recruited to provide expert perspectives
on the phenomena under study.
This study was conducted in accordance with ethical
guidelines for research involving human participants. Prior
to participation, all individuals were provided with an
information sheet detailing the study's purpose, the nature
of their involvement, and the measures taken to protect
their privacy and confidentiality. Informed consent was
obtained from all participants, and they were assured of
their right to withdraw from the study at any point without
consequence. Pseudonyms are used throughout the
presentation of findings to maintain the anonymity of
participants.
2.2. Data Collection
Data were collected through semi-structured interviews,
allowing for both guided questions and the flexibility for
participants to share their experiences and insights freely.
The interview guide was developed based on a review of
relevant literature and preliminary consultations with
experts in related fields. Key areas of inquiry included the
role of technology in initiating and maintaining
relationships, perceived benefits and challenges of digital
intimacy, and strategies used to navigate digital and offline
boundaries. Interviews with professionals focused on their
observations of trends, psychological impacts, and the
evolving nature of digital intimacy. All interviews were
conducted virtually, using secure video conferencing tools,
to accommodate the digital context of the study and the
geographical diversity of the participants. Each interview
lasted between 45 to 90 minutes and was audio-recorded
with the consent of the participants. For normal individuals
the questions included:
"Can you describe how you first connected with your
friend/partner through digital platforms? What role did
these platforms play in the development of your
relationship?"
"How do you build and maintain trust in a relationship
that is primarily maintained through digital means? Can
you share any specific practices or experiences?"
"Could you walk me through the types of digital
interactions you engage in on a daily basis with your
friend/partner? How do these interactions contribute to
your sense of closeness?"
"What are some of the most significant challenges
you've faced in maintaining your relationship digitally?
How have you addressed these challenges?"
For professionals the questions were as follows:
"From your professional perspective, how has digital
technology transformed the way individuals form and
maintain intimate relationships?"
"In your experience, what are the most impactful digital
communication tools or platforms for fostering intimacy?
Can you provide examples?"
"What challenges have you observed individuals facing
in their digital relationships, and what advice do you
typically offer?"
"How do you see the role of digital technology in
intimate relationships evolving in the future? Are there any
emerging trends that concern or excite you?"
"Can you describe what privacy means to you in the
context of social media? How do you define or understand
privacy when using these platforms?"
"Could you share a specific experience where you felt
your privacy was at risk due to the information you shared
on social media? How did you respond to this situation?"
"How do you manage your privacy settings on social
media platforms? Can you walk me through the steps you
take to adjust these settings and what factors influence
these decisions?"
"Have your concerns about privacy affected how you
use social media? For example, have you changed the type
of content you share, reduced your social media usage, or
taken any other actions as a result of privacy concerns?"
"Looking forward, what changes or improvements
would you like to see regarding privacy protection on
social media platforms? Are there specific tools or policies
you think would help users better manage their privacy?"
2.3. Data Analysis
Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim, and the
data were analyzed using thematic analysis. This involved a
detailed coding process, where initial codes were generated
and then collated into potential themes. These themes were
reviewed and refined iteratively until a coherent pattern of
findings emerged. The analysis aimed to reach theoretical
saturation, where no new themes or insights were observed
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in the data, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the
topic.
3. Findings
The study comprised two distinct groups of participants,
totaling 28 individuals. The first group included 18
participants who are actively involved in friendships or
romantic relationships primarily maintained through digital
platforms. This group was diverse, consisting of 10 females
and 8 males, with ages ranging from 18 to 35 years,
reflecting a wide spectrum of digital communication
experiences. Participants in this group hailed from various
backgrounds, including students, professionals, and
creatives, ensuring a rich diversity of perspectives on
digital intimacy.
The second group consisted of 10 professionals with
expertise in the fields of psychology, sociology, and digital
communication technologies, providing insightful
professional perspectives on digital intimacy. This group
included 6 females and 4 males, with a broader age range
of 25 to 50 years, representing seasoned practitioners,
researchers, and thought leaders deeply engaged in the
exploration of digital relationship dynamics.
Table 1
The Results of Qualitative Analysis through Coding Process
Main Themes
Categories
Concepts
1. Formation of Digital Intimacy
1.1 Initial Connection
Online dating platforms, Social media friendships
1.2 Communication Patterns
Frequency of messaging, Types of platforms used, Emoji and GIFs
communication, Privacy settings
1.3 Building Trust
Sharing personal stories, Digital gifts, Security measures
2. Maintenance of
Relationships
2.1 Daily Interactions
Digital routines, Emotional support, Sharing multimedia content
2.2 Role of Digital Spaces
Shared online activities, Private vs. public interaction
3. Challenges of Digital
Intimacy
3.1 Privacy and Security
Data sharing concerns, Stalking, Digital footprint management, Encryption use
3.2 Emotional Disconnection
Over-reliance on digital communication, Lack of physical cues
3.3 Boundary Management
Work-life balance, Digital detox
3.4 Miscommunication
Tone misinterpretations, Delayed responses
4. Benefits of Digital Intimacy
4.1 Accessibility and Inclusivity
Long-distance connections, Disability access
4.2 Enhancing Emotional Bonds
Instant support availability, Sharing digital content, Virtual companionship,
Memory sharing
5. Navigating Digital and
Offline Worlds
5.1 Blending Lives
Integrating digital and physical aspects, Creating traditions, Online and offline
anniversary celebrations
5.2 Managing Expectations
Reality vs. online persona, Transition challenges
6. Evolution of Digital Intimacy
6.1 Changing Norms
Shifts in communication etiquette, Evolving relationship definitions, Role of
social media
6.2 Technological Impact
Influence of new platforms, Enhanced communication tools, Privacy and
security advancements
6.3 Adaptation Strategies
Developing digital literacy, Setting boundaries, Cultivating resilience
7. Characteristics of Digital
Intimacy
7.1 Depth and Breadth of
Communication
Varied communication channels, Emotional expressiveness
7.2 Flexibility and Convenience
Asynchronous communication, Ease of staying in touch
7.3 Public vs. Private Interactions
Social media visibility, Private messaging dynamics
7.4 Autonomy and Interdependence
Individual digital identities, Shared digital activities
Through qualitative analysis of semi-structured
interviews with involved individuals and professionals in
the field, we've identified seven main themes that
encapsulate the essence of digital intimacy.
3.1. Formation of Digital Intimacy
The journey into digital intimacy often begins with an
Initial Connection through online dating platforms or social
media friendships, where "the ease of initiating
conversations online made me more confident," one
participant noted. The Communication Patterns that
develop subsequently are marked by diverse platforms
usage, from texts to video calls, highlighting the role of
"emojis and GIFs in expressing emotions we can't put into
words," another interviewee shared. Building Trust in these
nascent stages involves sharing personal stories and digital
gifts, with one respondent emphasizing, "Security measures
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on these platforms made me feel safer about who I was
connecting with."
3.2. Maintenance of Relationships
As digital relationships evolve, Daily Interactions
become a tapestry of digital routines and multimedia
content sharing, where one partner mentioned, "Sharing the
mundane aspects of our day brings us closer, despite the
physical distance." The Role of Digital Spaces in
maintaining these connections is also crucial, serving as
venues for shared online activities and balancing private
versus public interactions.
3.3. Challenges of Digital Intimacy
Participants reported several challenges, including
concerns over Privacy and Security, where one lamented,
"The fear of data breaches has made us cautious about what
we share." Emotional Disconnection and Boundary
Management were noted, with a participant stating, "It's
hard to read emotions through text, and misunderstandings
happen more often than we'd like." Miscommunication also
emerged as a significant hurdle, with delayed responses or
tone misinterpretations leading to conflicts.
3.4. Benefits of Digital Intimacy
Yet, the digital realm brings undeniable Benefits,
offering Accessibility and Inclusivity for long-distance
partners and those with disabilities. It also Enhances
Emotional Bonds, as one interviewee put it, "The ability to
send a message or share a photo instantly keeps our
connection alive."
3.5. Navigating Digital and Offline Worlds
The blending of Digital and Offline Worlds requires
managing expectations between online personas and
reality, with couples finding ways to integrate their digital
interactions with physical meetings.
3.6. Evolution of Digital Intimacy
As digital intimacy Evolves, changing norms and
technological impacts influence how relationships are
defined and experienced. Participants highlighted the need
for Adaptation Strategies to navigate these changes,
emphasizing digital literacy and setting boundaries.
3.7. Characteristics of Digital Intimacy
Our study elucidates specific Characteristics of Digital
Intimacy, including the depth and breadth of
communication facilitated by digital tools. Flexibility and
Convenience stand out, allowing partners to stay connected
asynchronously. Yet, navigating the dynamics of Public vs.
Private Interactions and maintaining a balance between
Autonomy and Interdependence presents ongoing
challenges. As one participant reflected, "Our shared digital
activities have become a cornerstone of our relationship,
showcasing both our individuality and unity."
4. Discussion and Conclusion
This study aimed to explore the concept of digital
intimacy, revealing how technology shapes and influences
friendships and romantic relationships. Through qualitative
analysis, we identified key themes including the formation
and maintenance of relationships through digital platforms,
the challenges and benefits of digital intimacy, and the
nuanced characteristics of these digitally-mediated
connections. Our findings highlight the complexity of
navigating intimacy in the digital age, underscoring the
importance of communication patterns, trust-building,
privacy, and the balance between online and offline
interactions.
In our qualitative exploration of digital intimacy and its
impact on friendships and romantic relationships, we
identified seven main themes through semi-structured
interviews with participants. These themes encapsulate the
multifaceted nature of digital intimacy, ranging from the
formation and maintenance of relationships to the
challenges and benefits that arise within digital contexts.
The themes include Formation of Digital Intimacy,
Maintenance of Relationships, Challenges of Digital
Intimacy, Benefits of Digital Intimacy, Navigating Digital
and Offline Worlds, Evolution of Digital Intimacy, and
Characteristics of Digital Intimacy. Each theme is further
divided into categories, providing a detailed framework for
understanding the complexities of digital relationships.
The Formation of Digital Intimacy theme revealed how
initial connections are fostered through digital platforms,
with categories highlighting Initial Connection,
Communication Patterns, and Building Trust. Participants
described using online dating platforms and social media to
meet new friends or romantic partners, emphasizing the
importance of frequent messaging and the use of emojis
and GIFs for emotional expression. Building trust in this
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digital landscape often involved sharing personal stories
and using digital gifts, underpinned by a reliance on
platform security measures to safeguard these budding
connections.
Under the Maintenance of Relationships theme, the
categories of Daily Interactions and Role of Digital Spaces
were prominent. Participants shared how digital routines
and the sharing of multimedia content played a crucial role
in their daily interactions, maintaining emotional bonds
across distances. The Role of Digital Spaces category
revealed how shared online activities and the careful
management of private versus public interactions helped
sustain these relationships.
The Challenges of Digital Intimacy theme encompassed
categories such as Privacy and Security, Emotional
Disconnection, Boundary Management, and
Miscommunication. Concerns about data sharing and
digital footprint management were common, as were
challenges related to over-reliance on digital
communication leading to emotional disconnection.
Participants discussed the difficulty of managing
boundaries between digital and offline lives and the
frequent misinterpretations and misunderstandings that
arose from digital communication.
In discussing the Benefits of Digital Intimacy, categories
included Accessibility and Inclusivity, and Enhancing
Emotional Bonds. Participants valued the ease of
maintaining long-distance connections and the inclusivity
for individuals with disabilities. They also noted how
digital platforms facilitated instant support and
companionship, enhancing the emotional quality of their
relationships.
The Navigating Digital and Offline Worlds theme
focused on Blending Lives and Managing Expectations,
with participants sharing how they integrated digital
interactions with physical meetings. The challenges of
aligning online personas with offline realities were also
discussed, highlighting the ongoing negotiation between
digital and physical presence in sustaining relationships.
The Evolution of Digital Intimacy theme explored the
Changing Norms, Technological Impact, and Adaptation
Strategies categories. Participants reflected on how digital
communication etiquette and relationship definitions have
evolved, noting the significant influence of new platforms
and technologies. Adaptation strategies, such as developing
digital literacy and setting boundaries, were key to
navigating these changes.
Lastly, the Characteristics of Digital Intimacy theme
revealed the Depth and Breadth of Communication,
Flexibility and Convenience, Public vs. Private
Interactions, and Autonomy and Interdependence. These
categories encapsulated the various ways digital platforms
enable diverse and expressive communication, offer
convenience in maintaining connections, navigate the
dynamics between public and private spaces, and balance
individual identity with shared digital activities.
The findings align with and are supported by a robust
body of existing research, illuminating the complex
dynamics of digital-mediated relationships. For example,
Angelini et al. (2022) underscored the pivotal role of social
media features, online social support, and e-motions in
shaping the quality of friendships during adolescence. Our
study echoes these findings, revealing how digital
platforms serve as vital spaces for expressing and
experiencing emotions, thus fostering deeper connections
(Angelini et al., 2022). This resonates with participants'
narratives about the importance of digital routines and
multimedia content sharing in maintaining daily
interactions, enhancing the emotional bonds that underpin
digital intimacy.
Similarly, the exploration of LGBTQ+ young people's
use of dating apps for friendship and safety by Byron et al.
(2020) complements our insights into the formation of
digital intimacy. Our findings highlight how digital
platforms facilitate initial connections, offering unique
opportunities for marginalized groups to form safe,
supportive networks (Byron et al., 2020). This intersection
of social and sexual communication practices in digital
intimate publics suggests a broader reconfiguration of
intimacy, aligning with Chambers' (2016) concept of
networked intimacy and scalable sociality (Chambers,
2016).
The impact of technology on couple relationships, as
explored by Campbell and Murray (2015), also finds echo
in our study. The dual role of technology as both a
facilitator and a barrier to intimacy reflects the nuanced
ways in which digital tools influence the development and
maintenance of romantic relationships. This duality is
further exemplified by Garza et al. (2020), who examined
the intersection of intimacy, technology, and health,
revealing how technological interventions in health
management could impact relationship dynamics (Garza et
al., 2020).
The findings extends to the broader societal impacts of
digital technology on relationships. For instance, the role of
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technology in enhancing employee performance (Imran et
al., 2014) and affecting customer satisfaction and business
relationships (Ryding, 2010; Sanders, 2007) parallels our
findings on the professional perspectives towards digital
intimacy. The technological orchestration of relationships,
whether in personal, professional, or commercial contexts,
suggests a pervasive influence of digital tools across
various spheres of life.
Furthermore, the exploration of privacy-enhancing
technology (Hasani et al., 2023) and its implications for
intimate relationships highlights a growing concern for
security and trust in the digital age. This concern is
mirrored in our study's emphasis on privacy, security, and
trust-building in digital intimate relationships. The
integration of technology in managing intimacy not only
reshapes personal connections but also prompts critical
reflections on privacy, consent, and ethical technology use.
The exploration of digital intimacy in this study
illuminates the intricate ways in which individuals use
technology to forge and foster personal connections. Digital
platforms offer both opportunities and challenges, serving
as tools for creating meaningful interactions while also
introducing potential for miscommunication and privacy
concerns. This dual nature of digital intimacy reflects the
evolving landscape of personal relationships, wherein
technology plays a pivotal role in shaping modern
connections. The study underscores the significance of
understanding these dynamics to better navigate the
intersection of technology and intimacy in the digital era.
5. Limitations and Suggestions
This study, while providing important insights, is not
without limitations. The sample size and demographic
diversity may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Moreover, the reliance on self-reported data might
introduce bias in participants' responses about their privacy
concerns and behaviors. These limitations underscore the
need for cautious interpretation of the findings and their
application.
Future research should consider expanding the sample
size and including a broader demographic to enhance the
generalizability of the findings. Longitudinal studies could
also offer deeper insights into how privacy concerns and
protective behaviors evolve over time. Additionally,
exploring the impact of emerging social media platforms
and technologies on privacy concerns could provide
valuable insights into the ever-changing landscape of
online privacy.
The study's findings have important implications for
social media platform developers and policymakers. There
is a critical need for the development of more user-friendly
privacy settings and tools that can help mitigate privacy
fatigue and empower users to manage their privacy more
effectively. Educating users about privacy risks and
protective strategies is also essential. For policymakers,
these findings highlight the importance of developing
regulations that ensure social media platforms uphold high
privacy standards, protecting users' personal information
from misuse.
This study acknowledges several limitations. The
qualitative approach, while offering in-depth insights,
limits the generalizability of the findings to broader
populations. Additionally, the sample size and diversity,
although purposive, may not fully capture the wide range of
experiences and perspectives on digital intimacy. The
rapidly evolving nature of digital technology also means
that the findings may not encompass emerging trends or
platforms that could influence digital intimacy in
unforeseen ways.
Future research should aim to broaden the scope of
inquiry into digital intimacy, incorporating larger and more
diverse samples to enhance the generalizability of the
findings. Longitudinal studies could provide valuable
insights into how digital intimacy evolves over time,
particularly in response to technological advancements.
Furthermore, exploring the impact of emerging
technologies, such as augmented reality and artificial
intelligence, on intimate relationships could offer new
perspectives on the future of digital connections.
For practitioners working in the fields of counseling,
psychology, and relationship therapy, these findings
underscore the importance of considering the role of digital
technology in clients' relationships. Integrating discussions
on digital intimacy into therapeutic practices could help
individuals and couples navigate the complexities of their
digital interactions more effectively. Moreover, this study
highlights the need for digital literacy programs that
educate individuals on managing privacy, security, and
communication in online spaces, ultimately fostering
healthier and more fulfilling digital relationships.
Authors’ Contributions
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All authors have contributed significantly to the research
process and the development of the manuscript.
Declaration
In order to correct and improve the academic writing of
our paper, we have used the language model ChatGPT.
Transparency Statement
Data are available for research purposes upon reasonable
request to the corresponding author.
Acknowledgments
We would like to express our gratitude to all individuals
helped us to do the project.
Declaration of Interest
The authors report no conflict of interest.
Funding
According to the authors, this article has no financial
support.
Ethical Considerations
In this research, ethical standards including obtaining
informed consent, ensuring privacy and confidentiality
were observed.
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