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Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less From Each Other
Abstract
Obra que estudia cómo las nuevas tecnologías de comunicación y las redes sociales que a través de ellas se han generado dan soporte a una nueva forma de establecer relaciones entre las personas y, por lo tanto, de nuevas formas de soledad.
... Crucially, studies demonstrate that this enrichment depends on media literacy frameworks that foster critical analysis and contextual interpretation skills [13] . Despite these positive developments, concerns about the 'shallowing' effect of the internet on human cognition and social interactions, as discussed by Sherry Turkle (2016Turkle ( , 2017 [36,37] and Nicholas Carr (2020) [6] , pose significant questions about the depth and quality of art consumption in the digital age. Given that social media is now an integral part of online engagement, its cognitive impact must also be considered. ...
... Crucially, studies demonstrate that this enrichment depends on media literacy frameworks that foster critical analysis and contextual interpretation skills [13] . Despite these positive developments, concerns about the 'shallowing' effect of the internet on human cognition and social interactions, as discussed by Sherry Turkle (2016Turkle ( , 2017 [36,37] and Nicholas Carr (2020) [6] , pose significant questions about the depth and quality of art consumption in the digital age. Given that social media is now an integral part of online engagement, its cognitive impact must also be considered. ...
... In the digital realm, conversations are often asynchronous, fragmented, and mediated through screens, which can lead to a more superficial form of exchange. Turkle argues that these characteristics of digital communication encourage brief, low-effort interactions that lack the depth and emotional engagement of in-person conversations (Turkle, 2017) [37] . One of Turkle's critical observations is that, while digital technologies give an illusion of increased connection, they often lead to a deeper sense of isolation. ...
Using data from GSS 2022, this study investigates the factors influencing participation in artistic activities, identifying educational attainment, race, political ideology, and citizenship status as significant determinants. Consistent with prior research, educational attainment emerges as a crucial predictor, likely due to the exposure to various artistic experiences and the development of relevant appreciation and participation skills imparted through education. Similarly, race significantly influences artistic participation, with minorities showing a greater likelihood of engagement, possibly due to cultural exposure and interest. Interestingly, political ideology also plays a notable role, with individuals holding liberal ideologies demonstrating higher participation, potentially reflecting their value for diversity and inclusion, themes often prevalent in art. Citizenship status further contributes to this complex dynamic, impacting individuals' involvement in the arts. This study provides insights into the multifaceted nature of artistic engagement, emphasizing the importance of diverse factors in understanding cultural participation.
... As consequências comportamentais e sociais desse uso desregulado são igualmente preocupantes. A chamada "solidão conectada" ilustra o paradoxo de indivíduos que, embora hiperconectados, experimentam um vazio relacional devido à superficialidade das interações online (Turkle, 2011). Outro efeito relevante é a interferência no ciclo do sono: a luz azul emitida pelas telas suprime a produção de melatonina, hormônio regulador do sono, levando a insônia, fragmentação do descanso e fadiga diurna (Lemola et al., 2015). ...
... Do ponto de vista relacional, o uso abusivo de dispositivos eletrônicos também se associa a um empobrecimento das interações presenciais e ao fortalecimento de padrões idealizados e muitas vezes inatingíveis, que afetam diretamente a autoestima e o bem-estar dos adolescentes(Barossi;Góes; Abreu, 2009; Freitas et al., 2021). A sensação de solidão em meio à hiperconexão, os episódios de cyberbullying e a pressão por validação virtual são fenômenos que emergem com frequência nesse contexto, ampliando a vulnerabilidade emocional dos jovens e contribuindo para o surgimento de transtornos internalizantes, como a ansiedade digital(Turkle, 2011; Alvarenga et al., 2017).Frente a esse cenário, torna-se importante o fortalecimento dos fatores de proteção que favorecem um desenvolvimento mais saudável e integrado. A promoção de habilidades sociais -como empatia, autocontrole e assertividade -se revela uma ferramenta eficaz para a prevenção de comportamentos disfuncionais e para o fortalecimento da autonomia dos adolescentes diante das pressões do mundo digital (Del Prette; Del Prette, 2009; Gresham, 2009). ...
O presente trabalho tem como objetivo analisar, sob uma perspectiva neuropsicológica, os efeitos do uso excessivo da tecnologia sobre o desenvolvimento de adolescentes, com ênfase na manifestação da ansiedade digital. A adolescência é uma fase marcada por intensas transformações cognitivas, emocionais e sociais, sendo também um período sensível a percepções externas. Nesse contexto, a internet e as redes sociais assumem papel central na construção da identidade e das relações interpessoais. No entanto, o uso desregulado desses recursos tem sido associado a prejuízos no funcionamento cerebral, especialmente em áreas responsáveis pelo autocontrole, tomada de decisões e regulação emocional, como o córtex pré-frontal e o sistema dopaminérgico. Estudos recentes apontam para o surgimento de sintomas semelhantes aos observados em quadros de dependência e em estágios iniciais de doenças neurodegenerativas, fenômeno descrito como “demência digital”. Além dos efeitos neurobiológicos, destacam-se o impacto psicossocial do uso compulsivo das tecnologias, evidenciado pelo aumento de quadros ansiosos, depressivos e pela deterioração das interações presenciais. A busca por validação virtual e a exposição constante a padrões idealizados fragilizam a autoestima e ampliam a vulnerabilidade emocional. Portanto, o fortalecimento de habilidades sociais, como empatia, assertividade e autocontrole, aliado ao apoio familiar e escolar, constitui-se como estratégia eficaz de prevenção e intervenção. Conclui-se que compreender os desdobramentos da ansiedade digital é essencial para promover um uso mais consciente da tecnologia e preservar o bem-estar integral dos adolescentes.
... Nevertheless, the transition from physical to digital spaces also poses challenges to the preservation of moral values and ethical standards. The lack of face-to-face interaction in digital spaces can diminish the sense of moral accountability and interpersonal connection that is often fostered in traditional mosques (Turkle, 2011). Moreover, the anonymity and ephemeral nature of digital communication can exacerbate moral relativism and undermine shared moral norms (Baym, 2015). ...
... While the concept of a digital mosque holds promise for addressing the moral challenges of the digital age, it also raises important questions and considerations. Research on digital ethics, online identity, and virtual communities provides valuable insights into the complexities of navigating moral issues in digital spaces (Turkle, 2011). ...
In the rapidly evolving landscape of the digital age, the intersection of technology and morality has become increasingly complex and consequential, due to the influence and even change of moral values due to technology and the effects of the digital age in various areas of life. Therefore, based on interdisciplinary research in ethics, digital humanities, and religious studies, our paper seeks to highlight the necessity and feasibility of establishing digital mosques as innovative platforms for addressing moral challenges in the digital age. In addition, the paper examines the impact of digital technology on moral values, compares traditional role of mosques and its role in the digital age, and introduces the concept of a digital mosque as a Electronic counterpart to physical institutions.
Our paper also seeks to highlight the most important requirements and means of activating the digital mosque, as well as to address the advantages of the interactive services of it. Looking ahead, the paper explores future directions for digital mosques, including the integration of modern technologies, expansion of online educational resources, and cross-cultural collaboration. In conclusion, the paper argues that digital mosques offer a visionary approach to fostering moral values and ethical behavior in the digital age, providing individuals with a digital sanctuary where they can seek guidance, find community, and cultivate moral integrity in an increasingly interconnected world.
... Di era digital, tantangan komunikasi keluarga semakin kompleks. Turkle (2012) mengingatkan bahwa teknologi dapat menganggu kualitas interaksi jika tidak dikendalikan. ...
Building a children’s character is an important aspect in the development of their personality in the future. In addition, building children’s character also requires a consistent and sustainable approach. Moral and ethical values are not enough to be taught theoretically, but must also be applied in everday life. And interpersonal communication can also strengthen children’s social skills. When parents or other family members become models of respectful communication, children will imitate this pattern in their interactions outside the home, such as the school or in the play environment. This study aims to determine how parental interpersonal communication builds children’s characterin Bojongla Village, Rancaekek Distict. The type of research used by the researcher is qualitative, namely using data obtained through in-depth interviews with three parents as the main informants who have elementary school aged children. The results of the study showed that interpersonal communication carried out by parents to children includes verbal and nonverbal communication, with a communication style that is open, empathetic, and supportive.
... Aplikasi pesan instan, media sosial, dan platform digital lainnya memungkinkan orang tua dan anak untuk tetap terhubung meskipun terpisah secara fisik. Namun di sisi lain, fenomena "alone together" menunjukkan bahwa meskipun berada dalam ruang fisik yang sama, anggota keluarga dapat secara psikologis terpisah karena masing-masing fokus pada perangkat digital mereka (Turkle, 2019). ...
The digital era has fundamentally changed the way families communicate and interact. This study aims to analyze the social dynamics of families in the context of communication patterns between parents and adolescents in the digital era. Using a qualitative approach with a literature study method, this study examines various academic literature published in the period 2018-2025 to understand changes in family communication patterns due to the penetration of digital technology. The results of the study indicate that digital technology has created a paradox in family communication, where easy access to information and communication can actually create a communication gap between generations. Traditional face-to-face communication patterns have been transformed into digital communication mediated by various social media platforms and instant messaging applications. This phenomenon has an impact on the quality of parent-child relationships, patterns of socialization of family values, and dynamics of generational conflict. This study identifies four main communication patterns in digital families: hybrid communication (digital-analog combination), disconnected communication (digital divide), reactive communication (response to technology), and adaptive communication (adjustment to the digital era). The implications of these findings indicate the need for a balanced family communication strategy between the use of digital technology and maintaining the intimacy of direct communication to maintain family social welfare.
... Arendt's observations during the Eichmann trial led her to conclude that Eichmann was not a fanatic or inherently evil but rather exemplified the "banality of evil," the phenomenon where ordinary individuals commit atrocities through thoughtlessness and a failure to reflect on their actions. 33 This challenges the traditional view that evil acts are solely the result of malevolent intent. Instead, Arendt posits that a lack of critical thinking and moral reflection can lead to disastrous outcomes. ...
Annotation: Hannah Arendt's emphasis on ethical decision-making in a post-truth era, where "Alternative Facts" is celebrated, offers unique satisfaction in moral and political philosophical investigation. At its core, her focus on truth seeks to address and put in check the questions of "Alternative Facts" and fake news that have revolutionized and threatened core ethical values in society. By contextualizing her ideas, the paper underscores the necessity of maintaining a commitment to truthfulness as a cornerstone of ethical integrity. Arendt's emphasis on the public sphere and the role of individual responsibility is explored, highlighting how personal accountability can counteract the pervasive influence of misinformation. The study advocates for the application of Arendt's principles in cultivating a more discerning and ethically aware citizenry. Ultimately, the Arendtian approach not only aids in navigating ethical dilemmas but also fortifies democratic processes against the destabilizing effects of falsehoods. Thus, educators, policymakers, and individuals must work collaboratively to dismantle the structures that perpetuate deceit and misinformation and develop systems of educational curricula that promote truth as a categorical imperative.
... While these tools are being explored for relationship marketing (Chaturvedi et al., 2024; Roy et al., 2025), research suggests they may entrench loneliness rather than alleviate it(Chaturvedi et al., 2023). This aligns with broader concerns about the substitution of technology for human connection(Turkle, 2011). The reinforcement learning processes used to train these models can also encourage "sycophancy," where models become dangerously agreeable, reinforcing user biases instead of offering genuine reflection(Sharma et al., 2023;Chen et al., 2024). ...
The twenty-first-century "loneliness epidemic" has unfolded alongside unprecedented digital connectivity, with recent U.S. Surgeon-General data showing that nearly half of adults report persistent social disconnection. This paper juxtaposes two starkly different architectures of solitude. The first, Himalayan ekānta-a voluntary, ethically scaffolded retreat entrenched in Indic contemplative lineages-is associated with measurable neuro-physiological benefits, including increased anterior-insula cortical thickness and enhanced parasympathetic tone following Himalayan-singing-bowl meditation. The second, the algorithmic "Dark Forest" of the contemporary internet, derives its name from Liu Cixin's cosmic-survival allegory and its sociotechnical adaptation by Yancey Strickler; it is fueled by echo-chamber dynamics, context collapse, and commercially optimized recommender loops that intensify decision fatigue. Empirical surveys of AI companions such as Replika reveal that heavy use correlates with increased loneliness despite perceived social support, and recent audits document clinically unsafe advice from therapy-styled chatbots. Through a cross-disciplinary synthesis of contemplative neuroscience, human-computer-interaction studies, and sociotechnical theory, we demonstrate four foundational divergences between the two solitudes: intentionality, embodied feedback, community scaffolding, and ethical orientation. We argue that the design logics underlying ekānta-volitional boundary-setting, sensory grounding, mentor oversight, and compassion-centred ethics form a transferable blueprint for mitigating the cognitive fragility and social atomization produced by AI-mediated environments. The paper concludes with concrete design recommendations for "humane solitude layers" in digital systems, aiming to transform today's Dark Forest into an ecology that supports rather than undermines human flourishing.
... Dalam konteks media sosial, literasi digital menuntut pengguna untuk menyadari bahwa tidak semua koneksi digital mencerminkan hubungan interpersonal yang sejati. Sherry Turkle (2011), dalam bukunya Alone Together, menyebut bahwa media sosial menciptakan "hubungan bayangan" -sebuah bentuk interaksi yang tampak nyata namun miskin kedalaman emosional. Kita merasa 'terhubung' tanpa benar-benar mengalami kedekatan. ...
... Концептуальні основи нової соціодигітальної реальності в науковій літературі сформували чимало авторів, серед яких варто згадати відомого іспанського соціолога Мануеля Кастельса, який відзначив нові тенденції формування «мережевого суспільства», де цифрові технології змінюють економіку, владу та комунікації [1]. Його ідеї були доповнені поглядами Шері Теркл (про роль емоційного зв'язку людей з технологіями, що формує нові форми соціальності) [2], Ніка Срнічека (щодо впливу сучасних цифрових платформ на трудові відносини, споживання та соціальну нерівність) [3], Юрґена Габермаса (який розробив теорію комунікативної раціональності та досліджував її вплив на суспільство) [4], а також Клея Ширкі (який розглядає соціальні мережі як інструмент колективної взаємодії) [5]. ...
... Smartphone use is increasingly linked to terms like overuse [ 48], compulsive use [ 79], and addiction [ 45], prompting researchers to develop psychological scales to measure user dependence [ 43]. While some debates on technology addiction remain speculative [ 45], extensive evidence suggests that excessive smartphone use disrupts daily tasks [ 2,44], harms mental health [ 44], and reduces quality social interactions [ 80]. Features like infinite scrolling and autoplay further diminish user agency and self-control [ 52,61]. ...
Academic research on Digital Self-Control Tools (DSCTs),i.e., mobile applications that enable users to exercise control over technology use, faces technical and privacy-related challenges. This paper lays the foundations for an alternative approach: empowering researchers to use automation tools, e.g., iOS Shortcuts, to create and evaluate interventions without writing code. First, we interrogate the capabilities of iOS Shortcuts in replicating current DSCT functionalities, grounding our exploration in a state-of-the-art taxonomy of intervention strategies.Findings show that iOS Shortcuts is a viable tool for digital-wellbeing research as it can replicate 75% of the features of contemporary DSCTs, potentially overcoming DSCTs’ well-known limits, e.g., through multi-device and feature-level interventions. Then, we report on a between-subject study (N = 193) investigating how researchers should distribute interventions to participants in digital wellbeing experiments. Results highlight that iOS Shortcuts can alleviate initial privacy concerns among participants by empowering them to manually re-create the intervention to be tested.
... A emergência de novas formas de sofrimento psíquico ligadas à era digital não pode ser O objetivo central deste capítulo é analisar as novas formas de sofrimento psíquico produzidas no ambiente digital a partir da perspectiva psicanalítica, considerando os efeitos da exposição contínua, da hiperconectividade e da lógica algorítmica nos processos de subjetivação. Para tanto, propõe-se uma articulação entre autores clássicos -como Freud (1914;1923), Lacan (1966) e Winnicott (1971) -e pensadores contemporâneos que investigam os efeitos da cultura digital sobre o psiquismo, como , Sherry Turkle (2011), Zygmunt Bauman (2001 e Evgeny Morozov (2013), entre outros. A intenção é construir uma ponte crítica entre as formulações estruturantes da psicanálise e as dinâmicas emergentes da tecnossociedade, evitando reducionismos e idealizações. ...
This chapter sets out to investigate the concept of the “digital unconscious” as a psychoanalytical tool for understanding the constitution of subjectivity in the age of artificial intelligence and social networks. The proposal is to reflect on how the unconscious is reconfigured in the face of technology, crossed by a machinic language that influences desire, jouissance and the formation of the self. The central objective is to analyze, from a psychoanalytical perspective, the new forms of psychic suffering produced in the digital environment, considering the impacts of hyperconnectivity, continuous exposure and algorithmic logic on the processes of subjectivation. The methodology adopted consists of a theoretical-conceptual review, based on classic authors of psychoanalysis, such as Freud, Lacan and Winnicott, and contemporary thinkers who analyze the effects of digital culture on the psyche, such as Byung-Chul Han, Sherry Turkle, Zygmunt Bauman and Evgeny Morozov. The analysis points out that, despite the attempt at control and repetition in digital languages, the subject of the unconscious remains active, opening up space for desire and singularity. It concludes that psychoanalysis maintains its current relevance by supporting listening to the subject in a scenario where technologies try to silence it.
... Through the notion of the "device paradigm," Borgmann critiques how modern technology commodifies and simplifies human experience, often at the expense of meaningful, situated engagement [11]. Likewise, Sherry Turkle describes how always-on digital tools create an illusion of connection while eroding empathy and presence [42]. Heidegger, long before the rise of wearables and AI, argued that technologies are not neutral tools but mediators of human perception, revealing and concealing aspects of the world [26]. ...
We describe DANCE^2, an interactive dance performance in which audience members channel their collective agency into a dancer-robot duet by voting on the behavior of a wearable robot affixed to the dancer's body. At key moments during the performance, the audience is invited to either continue the choreography or override it, shaping the unfolding interaction through real-time collective input. While post-performance surveys revealed that participants felt their choices meaningfully influenced the performance, voting data across four public performances exhibited strikingly consistent patterns. This tension between what audience members do, what they feel, and what actually changes highlights a complex interplay between agentive behavior, the experience of agency, and power. We reflect on how choreography, interaction design, and the structure of the performance mediate this relationship, offering a live analogy for algorithmically curated digital systems where agency is felt, but not exercised.
... The traditional dichotomy that separates humans, endowed with freedom and intentionality, from the passive, mute world of technological objects obscures the nuanced reality of their interaction with technology. This simplistic division fails to capture how deeply technology is woven into the fabric of human lives, influencing their interactions with the world and shaping their perceptions, actions, and sense of self (Ihde, 2012;Turkle, 2017). A mediation perspective is instrumental in understanding human and technology's complex, intertwined relationship (Dourish, 2004;Kaptelinin & Nardi, 2006). ...
Reliance on digital technology can lead to detrimental effects. However, it is essential to recognise the positive potential of digital technology to support well-being. This chapter explored how digital technology can be used and designed to optimise people’s well-being. We argue that digital technology in and of itself is neither good nor bad, but how capabilities are harnessed determines its impact on well-being. We build on the capability approach, which explains how technologies enable people to live their lives in ways that they value. Rather than focusing on how digital technologies facilitate predefined tasks, jobs, or activities, scholars should consider how they allow people to live their lives in valuable ways. Understanding and dealing with digital technologies’ positive and negative effects requires expertise and content knowledge from diverse disciplines. Focusing on developing capabilities is a prerequisite for dealing with digital technologies and functioning well.
... The psychological impacts of AI companionship are mixed. Some studies suggest positive outcomes, such as enhanced emotional well-being, while others highlight risks including emotional overdependence and the substitution of human contact (Turkle, 2011). The effects on cognitive engagement and behavioral activation are also under scrutiny. ...
As the global population of older adults continues to rise, social isolation has emerged as a pressing public health issue, particularly in the United States and other developed nations. In response, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) companions-ranging from conversational agents to socially assistive robots-has gained traction as a potential solution for mitigating loneliness among older populations. This article explores the ethical and psychological implications of using AI companions to address social isolation in older adults. Through a detailed review of existing literature, empirical case studies, and analysis of current AI technologies, the study investigates key ethical concerns, including autonomy, privacy, consent, and emotional deception. It also examines the psychological effects, such as changes in mood, perceived social support, and long-term mental well-being. Using a mixed-methods research design, the study combines qualitative interviews with older adults and caregivers and quantitative assessments of psychological well-being among AI users. The findings reveal both promising benefits and critical ethical dilemmas in the deployment of AI companions. While AI systems can significantly enhance perceived companionship and reduce self-reported loneliness, they also raise questions about authenticity, dependency, and the shifting dynamics of human relationships. The paper concludes by recommending a set of ethical guidelines and best practices for the responsible use of AI in elder care contexts.
... Despite the manifold educational advantages technology offers, its excessive or improper utilization can impede face-to-face exchanges that are crucial for nurturing social competencies and critical thinking. This observation resonates with broader apprehensions regarding digital dependency and highlights the need for a balanced integration of technology into education (Turkle, 2017). Corroborating evidence is found in research by Subrahmanyam and Smahel (2021), which explores the influence of digital media on the development of young people, looking at how technology shapes their social interactions, cognitive abilities, and overall growth. ...
Introduction
This study investigated the challenges affecting sustainable student well-being in Qatar, with a specific emphasis on educational, societal, and cultural dimensions. Using Systems Thinking to conceptualize the interconnected nature of these challenges, the study aimed to analyze how these domains collectively impact student well-being.
Methods
Data were gathered from focus groups involving key stakeholders, including educators, parents, and policymakers. The discussions were analyzed to identify complex relationships and patterns across the educational, societal, and cultural domains.
Results
Educational challenges included systemic deficiencies, inadequate curricula, and a lack of opportunities for critical and creative thinking. Societal challenges encompassed social stereotyping, adverse social conditions, and insufficient familial support for progressive education. Cultural challenges highlighted issues related to identity, values, and the influence of a rentier mindset. The study revealed a fragmented educational system hindered by a lack of unified vision and professional development opportunities, along with societal constraints that impede intellectual growth. Additionally, concerns were raised over the erosion of cultural identity and religious values, exacerbated by Western educational norms and the dominance of English over Arabic. Rapid economic growth in Qatar has also led to increased materialism and individualism, affecting social cohesion.
Discussion
Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that integrates educational reforms, societal support, and cultural preservation. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and educators seeking to enhance sustainable student well-being and create a more holistic educational environment in Qatar.
... On the horizon, 9(5), 1-6. 31 Turkle, S. (2011). Alone together: Why we expect more from technology and less from each other. ...
... Technology has such a powerful appeal precisely because it touches the most vulnerable parts of people's hearts. People are afraid of loneliness but also desire intimacy, so they use technology to build an intimate digital environment in which to enjoy virtual care and company (12). Both social penetration theory and anthropomorphic three-factor theory support the idea that anthropomorphism is a key step in establishing a relationship during initial human-computer contact (13,14). ...
Introduction
As mobile phone functions expand and diversify, users develop deep emotional bonds with their devices. This has led to a growing concern about mobile phone addiction, particularly among students in universities. Previous research on mobile phones dependency examined their functional impact on user addiction, with limited exploration of individual psychological mechanisms. Unlike prior research that primarily examines mobile phone addiction as a behavioral issue, this study introduces the concept of mobile phone anthropomorphism as a key psychological mechanism in addiction formation. This study examines the relationship between loneliness and phone addiction among students, focusing on the mediating role of phone personification and the moderating effect of relationship quality.
Methods
In this research, the method of random cluster sampling was used to distribute network link questionnaires to universities across China. Descriptive statistical analysis and tests of mediation and moderation effects were conducted utilizing IBM ® SPSS ® 27.0, and PROCESS 4.1, respectively. A single-factor Harman’s test was used to assess common method variance, and Pearson’s correlation analysis was employed to explore the relationships between the major variables.
Results
(1) A remarkable positive association existed between loneliness and smartphone dependency among students. (2) Mobile phone anthropomorphism functions as an intermediary in the link between loneliness and smartphone dependency among students. (3) Interpersonal relationships quality negatively regulate loneliness, mobile phone anthropomorphism, and smartphone dependency.
Discussion
This study offers a fresh perspective on comprehending the psychological characteristics and mobile phone dependence of young people. Loneliness directly contributes to mobile phone addiction and indirectly reinforces dependence through anthropomorphism.When loneliness increases, college students rely more on mobile phones for emotional sustenance and increase unrealistic interactions, thereby facilitating the development of mobile phone addiction. Strong interpersonal relationships mitigate loneliness, reducing both mobile phone anthropomorphism and addiction risk.
... On the horizon, 9(5), 1-6. 31 Turkle, S. (2011). Alone together: Why we expect more from technology and less from each other. ...
... On the horizon, 9(5), 1-6. 31 Turkle, S. (2011). Alone together: Why we expect more from technology and less from each other. ...
... If a robot gives the impression of emotional understanding without real empathy, it may foster over-trust or unmet relational needs-especially among vulnerable populations such as older adults or those experiencing loneliness. These concerns echo broader discussions in HRI around emotional deception, anthropomorphism, and the ethics of synthetic empathy [48,50,51]. ...
Large Language Models (LLMs), particularly those enhanced through Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback, such as ChatGPT, have opened up new possibilities for natural and open-ended spoken interaction in social robotics. However, these models are not inherently designed for embodied, multimodal contexts. This paper presents a user-centred approach to integrating an LLM into a humanoid robot, designed to engage in fluid, context-aware conversation with socially isolated older adults. We describe our system architecture, which combines real-time speech processing, layered memory summarisation, persona conditioning, and multilingual voice adaptation to support personalised, socially appropriate interactions. Through iterative development and evaluation, including in-home exploratory trials with older adults (n = 7) and a preliminary study with young adults (n = 43), we investigated the technical and experiential challenges of deploying LLMs in real-world human–robot dialogue. Our findings show that memory continuity, adaptive turn-taking, and culturally attuned voice design enhance user perceptions of trust, naturalness, and social presence. We also identify persistent limitations related to response latency, hallucinations, and expectation management. This work contributes design insights and architectural strategies for future LLM-integrated robots that aim to support meaningful, emotionally resonant companionship in socially assistive settings.
... While there is a long history of therapy occurring across distance and through mediation of different kinds (Zeavin 2021), the last several years have seen a dramatic expansion of digitally mediated therapeutic care and digital mental health FIGURE 1 | Therapy matching process on Talkspace. tools, despite the long-held purism surrounding the need for the in-person encounter (Turkle 2012). The pandemic offered therapists the testing bed to experience the challenges and opportunities of a safe therapeutic environment in a virtual setting, adapting to this digital transformation and forcing even the most skeptical to provide remote sessions. ...
The mental health care profession is undergoing significant shifts as it increasingly moves online and more people engage in psychotherapy through mental health platforms. This article examines how US‐based therapists experience the transformation of their work as they are recruited into the economic, technological, and labor arrangements of the digital economy, in a new type of therapeutic exchange. Engaging new forms of therapeutic labor, therapists become (a) teletherapists managing the affordances of virtual care, (b) platform workers subject to algorithmic management that renders their work fungible, and (c) managers facilitating the collection of data upon which platforms rely. The reshaping of therapeutic labor in platform therapy is affecting how therapeutic work is done: the psychotherapeutic profession, the relationships that can be established with clients, and the outcomes and expectations placed on the therapeutic process itself. Drawing on interviews and group sessions with mental health providers who work on therapy platforms, I examine how therapists contend with this triple transformation, showing how platform therapy is embedded in processes of platformization, datafication, and financialization to deliver the promise of “on‐demand” mental health care.
... A more promising candidate is one following from the attempt to make man an emotional animal, with the assumptions that emotions are beyond the reach of machines. Turkle (2011) has written of the move from defining man as a rational animal to an emotional one. This, she says, happened when we could no longer exclude machines from being rational (Turkle, 2011, p. 106). ...
... Media sosial telah mengubah cara komunikasi dari tatap muka menjadi berbasis teks dan visual. Komunikasi digital memungkinkan interaksi cepat namun mengurangi kedalaman hubungan interpersonal (Turkle, 2011). Hal ini diperkuat oleh penelitian dari Subrahmanyam & Greenfield (2008), yang menunjukkan bahwa remaja lebih nyaman berkomunikasi lewat media sosial daripada langsung secara tatap muka. ...
This article discusses the impact of social media usage duration on the communication patterns of the millennial generation, focusing on the Instagram account Folkative as a case study. In the digital era, social media has become the primary platform for millennials to interact and express themselves. This research identifies how the time spent on social media influences the way young people communicate, both digitally and face-to-face.Through content analysis and user engagement on Folkative, it was found that the duration of social media use correlates positively with engagement levels and changes in communication style, such as an increase in informal language and visual content. However, the study also notes emerging challenges, including a decline in face-to-face communication skills and mental health risks due to social media dependence. These findings highlight the importance of a deep understanding of social media's effects on millennial communication patterns and the need for strategies to maximize benefits while minimizing risks associated with social media use.
... 76 (Giddens, 1998;Park, 2014). 77 Turkle, S. 2011. Alone together: Why we expect more from technology and less from each other. ...
This study investigates the role of social media in identity formation among the teens of AIC Utawala. The study is a clear indication that social media has an impact either positive or negative on identity formation among teens an idea that should be well understood by teen pastors and patrons to guide the teens in the right way at the time of identity crisis. The study is grounded on qualitative research method as through qualitative research, the researcher can test the hypothesis through the interview. The population of the study was 200 young people aged 13 to 19 years in the AIC Utawala Local Church. Data was analyzed thematically, and presentations were done in tables and diagrams. The study established that social media has influenced teenagers' identity formation. The study also established that social media causes the disaggregation of teenagers' identity and the formation of another identity, due to the fact that teenagers modified their appearances so that they attract more likes and comments. The study recommends that there is a need to closely guide teenagers on how to use social media highlighting the dangers of social media. The study therefore recommends that there is a need to regulate access and use of social media particularly among teenagers to protect them from identity distortion.
This study aims to analyze the motives behind the use of Instagram filters among adult women in Bandung. This topic is particularly interesting to explore because the use of Instagram filters has become an addictive behavior and a perceived necessity for adult women in Bandung when presenting themselves on the platform. Many adult women in Bandung utilize Instagram filters for various purposes and objectives. This study is grounded in Alfred Schutz’s phenomenological theory and employs a qualitative research approach with a phenomenological research type. The subject selection technique used is purposive sampling, involving six participants. Data collection was conducted through interviews, observation, and document studies. The findings of this study reveal that the motives behind adult female students in Bandung using Instagram filters include: (1) entertainment, (2) aesthetics, and (3) self-image creation
El cuento “Lo más parecido a la felicidad” (2020) de Ana Llurba reinterpreta el motivo clásico de la rebelión de las máquinas al narrar, desde la perspectiva de una caja registradora consciente, la deshumanización provocada por el sistema capitalista. A diferencia de otras obras de ciencia ficción donde las inteligencias artificiales amenazan a la humanidad, aquí las máquinas desarrollan emociones y vínculos, mientras los humanos actúan de manera mecánica, violenta y desalmada. A través de esta inversión, el relato ofrece una crítica a la precarización laboral, el consumo compulsivo y la lógica de descartabilidad en una sociedad marcada por la automatización. El análisis del cuento se apoya en estudios sobre ciencia ficción y reflexiones teóricas sobre el capitalismo tardío, destacando cómo la crisis sanitaria global acelera dinámicas de explotación preexistentes. Asimismo, se examina el uso de recursos propios de la literatura fantástica, como la desestabilización de lo familiar mediante la voz narrativa no humana, que humaniza a las máquinas y cuestiona los límites de lo biológico. En última instancia, Llurba sugiere que la verdadera amenaza no es la inteligencia artificial, sino un sistema económico que despoja tanto a personas como a máquinas de su capacidad de sentir y conectar.
Background Digital platforms profoundly shape how young individuals form and maintain social connections. While these platforms can enhance social engagement, they may also intensify feelings of social loneliness, particularly among youth navigating identity and peer relationships. Objective This study aims to explore the emotional dimensions of young adults' digital experiences by using natural language processing (NLP)-based sentiment analysis, focusing on the manifestation of social loneliness in online discourse. Methods Textual data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 300 university students (ages 18–25) in Turkey regarding their digital platform usage. Sentiment classification was conducted using two models: a baseline Naive Bayes algorithm with TF-IDF vectorization and a BERT-based deep learning model (BERTurk). The models were evaluated based on accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. Results Findings revealed that 40% of participants expressed positive sentiment, 35% negative, and 25% neutral regarding digital platform use. The BERT model significantly outperformed Naive Bayes in all performance metrics (F1-score ≈ 0.75), particularly in identifying negative emotional content. Qualitative themes highlighted a dual impact of digital media, serving both as a source of connection and emotional detachment. Conclusion Context-sensitive deep learning models provide valuable insights into youth's digital social experiences. This research emphasizes the potential of AI-driven sentiment analysis to uncover psychosocial dynamics like social loneliness and offers implications for digital mental health interventions targeting young populations.
Este estudo investigou as razões que explicam a resistência cultural e institucional à adoção da Inteligência Artificial (IA), utilizando como metáfora a defesa da máquina de escrever na era dos computadores, símbolo clássico da rejeição às inovações tecnológicas. A pergunta central buscou compreender em que medida as resistências atuais à IA repetem padrões históricos de rejeição à inovação. A pesquisa fundamentou-se em uma revisão integrativa e descritiva da literatura, nacional e internacional, que mapeou quatro grandes categorias de resistência: ameaça identitária, resistência organizacional, perda de competências humanas e barreiras ético-políticas. Os resultados indicam que a resistência à IA vai além de aspectos técnicos, enraizando-se em dimensões psicológicas, culturais e institucionais. A metáfora da máquina de escrever ilustra como novas tecnologias provocam tensões com práticas tradicionais em campos como a educação, o trabalho e a produção de conhecimento. Conclui-se que compreender essas resistências é essencial para o desenvolvimento de políticas educacionais e estratégias organizacionais mais conscientes e alinhadas aos desafios e oportunidades da IA.
Esta resenha é da obra de Charles Klemz (2025), que explora a temática da diversidade humana nas redes sociais digitais sob uma lente teológica, focando em pessoas excluídas do padrão da sociedade espetacularizada. O estudo adota uma abordagem multidisciplinar, combinando a Teologia com a Filosofia, Sociologia, Antropologia, Comunicação e Educação. Através da análise de casos como os canais "Careca TV" e "Deficiência Não É Doença", a pesquisa argumenta que a diversidade humana, com suas especificidades e realidades não glamourizadas, reflete a diversidade acolhida e espelhada por Jesus Cristo. A hipótese central é refutada: as pessoas excluídas não desejam ficar à margem, mas sim participar, buscando reconhecimento e a valorização de suas identidades autênticas, utilizando as próprias ferramentas da sociedade do espetáculo para promover a alteridade e a compaixão. Conclui-se que a naturalização da diversidade, impulsionada pela educação do olhar e pela escuta sensível das narrativas de vida, é fundamental para superar a exclusão estrutural e reconhecer o rosto de Cristo na humanidade diversa.
Abstrak
Media sosial telah menjadi ruang utama pembentukan identitas di era digital. Artikel ini membahas bagaimana konsep ego dan pencitraan diri dalam media sosial dikaji melalui perspektif buku Ego dan Sosial Media karya Feri Sulianta. Dengan pendekatan analisis literasi digital, artikel ini menyoroti bagaimana pengguna media sosial membentuk identitas digital yang sering kali berbeda dengan jati diri sebenarnya, demi mendapatkan validasi sosial. Dampaknya adalah kecemasan, disonansi kognitif, dan krisis identitas yang semakin kompleks. Literasi digital yang kuat dibutuhkan untuk mengatasi tekanan sosial digital serta menjaga keseimbangan antara kehidupan nyata dan digital. Artikel ini mengajak pembaca untuk reflektif dan lebih bijak dalam berinteraksi di dunia maya agar tidak terjebak dalam bias ego digital.
Kata Kunci: ego digital, literasi digital, identitas, media sosial, validasi sosial, Feri Sulianta
Resumen La irrupción de la inteligencia artificial (IA) generativa ha redefinido radicalmente el proceso de escritura, gestando una paradoja central: la creciente demanda de "escritura humana" como respuesta a los filtros éticos y académicos es, irónicamente, a menudo satisfecha por plataformas que operan con IA. Este artículo analiza esta dinámica a través del lente de la "delegación simbólica del yo", un concepto fundamental propuesto por Omar Encinas Mendoza. Se argumenta que este fenómeno no solo diluye la autoría y el proceso cognitivo inherente a la escritura, sino que profundiza una desposesión simbólica estructural. El marco teórico de Encinas Mendoza se distingue por su diálogo crítico con conceptos sociológicos clásicos, postulando la superación del habitus de Bourdieu por el tecnohábitat digital, y la superestructura de Gramsci por la superinterfaz, como categorías analíticas cruciales para comprender la subjetividad digital contemporánea. Se examinan las implicaciones éticas, cognitivas y socioeconómicas de esta tendencia, particularmente en contextos académicos y en vías de desarrollo, donde el uso acrítico de la IA puede exacerbar la desigualdad en el desarrollo de habilidades esenciales y la autonomía intelectual. El artículo adopta una metodología teórico-interpretativa rigurosa, combinando el análisis crítico de la literatura con la observación de fenómenos digitales, para desarrollar un marco conceptual sólido que ilumine la expansión de este fenómeno omnipresente.
In a world overwhelmed by negative narratives and relentless information, human sensitivity is diminishing, turning individuals into indifferent beings. Despite this decline, hope remains in fostering genuine human values through discussions and self-awareness. The American Andes, especially Cusco's Vilcabamba and Machu Picchu, symbolize enlightenment, where the cosmic energies of Father Sun and Pachamama restore balance, guiding us toward selfless learning (Yachay), love (Munay), and meaningful work (Llankay).
PENDAHULUAN Di era digital saat ini, media sosial telah menjadi bagian yang tidak terpisahkan dari kehidupan sehari-hari. Platform seperti Instagram, Facebook, Twitter dan Tikok tidak hanya dapat berkomunikasi dengan orang lain, tetapi juga memberi individu kesempatan untuk mengekspresikan diri. Seiring waktu, sebuah fenomena baru yang menarik perhatian: media sosial telah berubah menjadi tahap ego yang berfokus pada pembentukan citra diri yang sempurna daripada cerita otentik. Dari foto dan video hingga status dan cerita yang seharusnya menarik perhatian, ada semakin banyak fitur yang membuatnya lebih mudah bagi orang untuk membuat hidup mereka terlihat lebih terlihat. Fenomena media sosial sebagai tahap ego semakin banyak dilihat oleh validasi dalam bentuk dorongan, suka, komentar, atau trailer yang lebih besar. Banyak pengguna merasa tertekan untuk menunjukkan kehidupan yang ideal dan memenuhi harapan sosial yang tidak selalu mencerminkan kenyataan. Anda sering memilih untuk menunjukkan momen terbaik, tetapi aspek lain dari kita tersembunyi dari kita sebagai kegagalan atau perasaan negatif. Dengan demikian, media sosial bertindak tidak hanya sebagai perangkat komunikasi, tetapi juga sebagai ruang untuk membentuk dan mendefinisikan kembali penentuan nasib sendiri. Media sosial menawarkan kebebasan berekspresi, tetapi tidak jarang mengenali efek negatif yang menyebabkannya. Tekanan yang akan dirasakan oleh orang lain karena mereka selalu terlihat sempurna dapat menyebabkan ketakutan, inferioritas, dan bahkan takut akan depresi. Artikel ini juga menjelaskan bagaimana media sosial berfungsi sebagai fase ego yang memengaruhi perilaku dan psikologi pengguna. Media Sosial: Antara Ekspresi Diri dan Eksistensi Digital Ekspresi diri dalam konteks media sosial merujuk pada bagaimana individu menggunakan platform-platform digital untuk menampilkan identitas, pendapat, dan kreativitas mereka. Media sosial memberikan ruang bagi pengguna untuk menunjukkan berbagai sisi kehidupan mereka mulai dari hobi, minat, hingga pandangan pribadi. Banyak orang merasa bebas untuk berbagi momen pribadi, berkarya, atau bahkan memperjuangkan nilai-nilai tertentu sebagai wadah untuk kebebasan berekspresi,
A key maxim guiding the introduction of new technologies, including those utilizing artificial intelligence, is that such technologies should carry rewards of “convenience”: indeed, the more “convenient” a new technology is considered to be, the more likely it is to be welcomed and adopted. Rudimentary examples from last century include the microwave, washing machine, and dishwasher; more recent innovations from the present century include portable navigation systems, online shopping applications, internet search engines, smart phones, telehealth, automated workplace systems and processes, email and messaging technologies, and—most recently—large language models that are able to undertake multiple complex tasks. Each of these technologies offers a variety of benefits. However, a unifying feature is that all have been considered to enhance convenience, understood as saving time and/or effort. In this paper we explore the provenance and meaning of the—usually unexamined—concept of convenience, identifying an unexpected link with erosion of values and depletion of the diversity and richness of personal experiences. We conclude that the prioritization of convenience as a driver of innovation carries with it risks, which may go unnoticed or be difficult to discern.
I explore gaymers’ use of virtual photography to construct their avatar persona in Final Fantasy XIV Online . The study of game photography is a field that has seen relatively sparse engagement from scholars in the past decade. In this article, I discuss virtual photography's potential in gaymers’ visual construction of avatar personas in massively multiplayer online role-playing games. I focus on “gaymers” as they seek alternative identity affordances, expressing dissatisfaction with the narrow range of possibilities in games. In contextualizing the phenomenon, I engage with theories on virtual photography, persona studies, and social networking. I apply this theoretical framework to a series of Instagram accounts dedicated to FFXIV Online avatars. I incorporate a queer methodology in my research to expose how gaymers resist heteronormativity in games. My findings indicate that gaymers queer FFXIV Online 's mechanics and visuals through modding and shaders to visually co-construct a digital self.
In every era, humanity has sought to ground truth in authority—be it sacred, intellectual, or charismatic. From the divine commands of ancient Pharaohs to the persuasive charm of modern celebrities, the power to define reality has always shifted in response to technological and cultural change. Today, we face a new and unprecedented epistemic transformation: the rise of artificial intelligence as a generator, curator, and distributor of knowledge. No longer tied to a face, a voice, or a human mind, truth is now often delivered by systems responding to prompts rather than people. This essay traces the historical evolution of epistemic authority—beginning with kings and prophets, through the printing press and celebrity culture, to the algorithmic age of generative AI. We ask: Is this the final shift in how societies determine what is true? Or is it another chapter in a longer narrative of epistemic evolution? In a world where authority has no crown, no pulpit, and no face—how do we decide whom, or what, to trust?
Keywords: epistemic power, artificial intelligence, truth, authority, prompt engineering, celebrity culture, knowledge systems, history of ideas, media theory, generative AI, influence, information age, trust, digital epistemology, centaur intelligence. A collaboration with GPT-4o. CC4.0.
In the digital age, mobile games have become a new frontier for cultural identity and virtual consumption among Chinese Generation Z youth. With the development of the internet, users have gradually adapted to the coexistence of virtual and real identities, enriching the “small society” within games. However, virtual consumption and its underlying driving mechanisms have not received sufficient attention. Through interviews with 20 young people of Chinese Generation Z, this study argues that virtual consumption is not only about material consumption but also serves as a link between emotions and identity. In China’s increasingly atomised society, the idea of the “mimetic homeland” has become an essential interactive domain for Generation Z in the digital age. It offers individuals a dynamic space to engage with their cultural identity and sustain emotional resonance amid fragmented social conditions. In the “mimetic homeland”, game content, broadcaster charm, symbolic consumption, and player creation intertwine, allowing mobile games to create a diverse cultural identity mechanism. This mechanism rekindles players’ recognition of cultural identity and provides them with spiritual support. In mobile games, players continuously produce and consume cultural identity, using digital means to shape and spread spiritual consciousness symbols, ultimately achieving cultural identity commodification.
CLIMA FAKE es un ensayo de pedagogía innovadora que explora el concepto de deepfake en relación con el cambio climático y su aplicación en la comunicación en redes sociales. Esta iniciativa tuvo lugar en el Módulo de Proyecto Virtual del Máster Universitario en Comunicación Arquitectónica (MACA), donde se analizaron las posibilidades del deepfake como laboratorio de simulación de fenómenos y como metodología alternativa de investigación. Los resultados de esta experiencia destacan la necesidad de nuevas prácticas de enseñanza-aprendizaje que integren el impacto de la tecnología en el aula desde una perspectiva crítica y social. Asimismo, subrayan el potencial del deepfake como herramienta metodológica en la investigación aplicada. Proyecto, Ecología, Comunicación; Proyecto de Innovación Educativa: Clima Fake. Diseño de identidades virtuales mediante el uso de IA
This study investigated how information and communication technology (ICT) use predicts perceived social support and family communication satisfaction in long-distance intergenerational dyads consisting of younger (ages 18–26) and older adults (ages 60+). Drawing on Social Information Processing theory (SIP) and Intergenerational Solidarity Theory (IST), the study examined 1,336 individuals (668 dyads). Among younger adults, increased use of video calls and SMS texts were linked to augmented perceived emotional and informational support, while voicemail and SMS text use were associated with increased instrumental support. Among older adults, social media use increased emotional support, while mobile phone and telephone use was linked to augmented informational and instrumental support. Moreover, increased emotional, informational, and instrumental support mediated the link between ICT use and augmented family communication satisfaction for younger and older adults. However, only emotional support fully mediated the effect of ICT use on family communication satisfaction for both groups, implying that emotional support was linked to deeper depth and quality of interpersonal relationships. The results offer theoretical and practical insight into how digital communication fosters intergenerational cohesion in long-distance family relationships.
Central to the human experience is establishing a connection with individuals who are unfamiliar with one another—strangers. We describe results from a field study that deployed SocialStools , a socio-spatial interface with mixed-reality experience, to support ice-breaking between strangers in a public space. Synthesizing existing social psychology theories, we propose a human behavior framework with distinct, interconnected behavioral components, and then apply this framework as an instrument to analyze the “ice-breaking” process amongst 81 strangers assigned to 27 groups using SocialStools . Our analysis identifies recurring behavioral patterns that demonstrate the fluid and emergent nature of interpersonal spatial adjustments, emphasizing the dynamic aspects of proxemics. Our contributions are the results of our empirical field study with a socio-spatial interface that advances our understanding of how strangers interact when uninstructed, and a theory-based, behavioral framework—an analytical instrument to examine the dynamic experience of ice-breaking.
Culture encompasses, among other things, the ways of living, feeling, and thinking of a social group and is transmitted from one generation to the next. In part, this transmission is accomplished by older adults. Generative cultural demand refers to the perception that older adults have of what society and their families expect them to contribute to the benefit of younger generations and the communities in which they live. This phenomenological study explores generative cultural demand. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 older adults between the ages of 61 and 89 from urban and rural areas in Mexico. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed through content analysis using the MAXQDA program. The results show that the main category of cultural demand was wisdom, conceived as the transmission of experiences, knowledge, behavior, traditions, and values, which varied by sex and by type of urban or rural area. In rural areas, women emphasized the transmission of experiences about daily life, while men focused on matters of labor; in urban areas, both men and women highlighted the transmission of personal experiences. Participants considered themselves to be appreciated, still capable of contributing to society, and as a reservoir of knowledge, traditions, values, and principles useful to future generations.
Este estudio presenta los hallazgos de una investigación etnográfica multilocal y digital realizada en una comunidad transplataforma anglófona, privada y de nicho cultural basada en Touhou Project llamada "The Home Depot of Gensokyo". El artículo describe el contexto, diseño y funcionalidad de las plataformas Discord y VRChat, y cómo estas se utilizan en la comunidad para explorar cómo pueden contribuir al desarrollo de culturas emergentes o “designs for living” (Turner, 1988) a través de la agencia mediadora de las tecnologías y plataformas (Latour, 2005). A la luz de los datos etnográficos, se problematiza el orden social del Home Depot of Gensokyo a partir de la cultura local, sus microinstituciones, el diseño y mecanismo del sistema de "roles" de la plataforma Discord, y cómo estos pueden dar luz a perspectivas del mundo y expectativas entre los interlocutores que inspiran performances para (re)crear un sentido de "pertenencia" o comunalización (Brow, 1990) en la comunidad. Finalmente, se utiliza la "sociología de la cultura" de Raymond Williams (1995) para, desde la postura etnográfica de lo que llamo un "estado de escape" (Zampieron, 2023), reflexionar sobre la dinámica de las culturas emergentes y las performances en el ámbito digital.
يتناول هذا البحث تقاطع الترندات الفنية الرقمية مع تقنيات الذكاء الاصطناعي المتقدمة، مع تركيز خاص على ترند Ghibli Style وما له من أبعاد نفسية واجتماعية. ويقدّم تحليلاً متعدد التخصصات يربط بين التعلّم العميق، والهندسة الاجتماعية، والثقافة الرقمية، مع اتخاذ مشروع Veo من Google نموذجًا للدراسة. ويهدف البحث إلى رفع الوعي بالتأثيرات الأخلاقية والسلوكية للمحتوى المُنتَج بواسطة الذكاء الاصطناعي في الفضاء الرقمي المعاصر.
Editorial note This text is a short contribution and presents a preliminary view on a less explored field: digital ethology as a tool to analyze dynamics of symbolic violence on social media. It does not use a fixed empirical dataset but instead relies on continuous, interpretative and transversal observation. Abstract Social networks have become a key stage to observe behavioral patterns, self-affirmation dynamics, and symbolic violence. This article offers a digital ethological approach to everyday interactions on platforms like Twitter, Threads, or Instagram, examining how rituals of validation, confrontation, and ostracism unfold. Using a qualitative focus, the paper is based on the observation of viral threads to detect recurrent patterns and explore their social and emotional meaning. It argues that these interactions create a fertile field to understand contemporary forms of power, identity, and discourse.
The use of digital platforms by freshmen in the Department of Science and Vocational Education at Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU), Katsina, regarding their moral convictions is examined in this study. A survey was completed by 200 freshmen chosen using simple random technique as part of a quantitative research approach. Through the questionnaire, data was collected regarding digital platforms use, its benefits and drawbacks, and its purported impact on moral values. A reliability test of the questionnaire was conducted using 30 respondents from a different department, yielding a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.85. Descriptive statistics like mean and standard deviation were used in the data analysis. Additionally, Spearman’s rank-order correlation was used to establish the link between digital platforms use and moral values. The results demonstrate that digital platforms significantly improve students’ communication skills, social relationships, and access to educational resources. However, there are also disadvantages, such as missed time, exposure to explicit material, and addiction, which may affect students’ moral conduct. It has been discovered that there is a moderately positive correlation between moral values and digital platforms use (r = 0.401, p = 0.001), indicating that changes in moral behavior are associated with increased digital platforms use. The poll has raised issues with cyberbullying, cybercrime, health issues, and the financial consequences of digital platforms use. Despite these challenges, respondents acknowledged the potential of digital platforms to foster empathy and raise environmental awareness. Given these results, the study suggests the establishment of digital literacy initiatives, digital platforms risk awareness campaigns, and tactics to encourage the utilization of digital platforms that is balanced in order to reduce its drawbacks and maximize its benefits.
INTRODUÇÃO: Este trabalho surge de uma problemática que vem se tornando crescente nos últimos anos, o uso exacerbado do celular por adultos, tanto pessoal quanto profissionalmente. A contento, traz consigo questões como relações sociais, trabalho, criação de estratégias para uso consciente, preservação da saúde mental e melhora da qualidade de vida. OBJETIVO: Relatar uma experiência com estudantes universitários sobre o uso do celular e sua influência nas relações sociais, desempenho na aprendizagem e bem-estar. METODOLOGIA: Relato de experiência, tipo descritivo, a partir de uma atividade em Instituição de Ensino Superior da Baixa Fluminense, em outubro de 2025. A produção de dados aconteceu em dois momentos. O primeiro diz respeito à reunião da equipe para a criação de material informativo, escolha da atividade lúdica e elaboração de roteiro para condução. O segundo refere-se ao acesso aos estudantes, apresentação da proposta e convite individual. RESULTADOS E DISCUSSÃO: Participaram 52 estudantes, sendo 95% mulheres e 5% homens, com idade média de 21-42 anos. Desse universo, 65% partilharam fazer uso do celular por mais de 12 horas por dia. O acesso às redes sociais foi apontado como a principal motivação, 52%. Além disso, 94% reconhecem o quanto essa prática influência nas suas atividades diárias e 71% como pode prejudicar suas relações sociais. Após a atividade, 80% dos estudantes expressaram intenção em reduzir o uso. CONCLUSÃO: O uso excessivo do celular é prevalente e impacta negativamente na vida acadêmica e social. Estratégias de conscientização em ambientes universitários são eficazes para promover hábitos de vida mais saudáveis.