In the 21st century, the intersection of rapidly advancing technologies with social media, mental health and a pervasive sense of loneliness has become a focus of scientific research. This chapter explores the intricate web of connections between these elements, drawing inspiration from Franz Kafka’s seminal work, “Metamorphosis”, and the thought-provoking film, “Sick of Myself” to unravel the complexities of social recognition through the lens of horror. The digital age has ushered in an unprecedented era of connectivity, marked by the proliferation of new technologies and the ubiquity of social media platforms. While these advances promise greater communication and global connectivity, they also bring with them a paradoxical reality—the rise of loneliness and its profound impact on mental health. Moreover, the pursuit of social recognition through horror, as explored in both Kafka’s literature and contemporary film, highlights society’s twisted fascination with the macabre. The digital realm, with its potential for anonymity and detachment, becomes a breeding ground for disturbing and often horrifying interactions. The fear of social exclusion, a central theme to Kafka’s narratives, finds a modern manifestation in the fear of being socially shunned in the digital realm. The chapter navigates the complex landscape of new technologies, social media, mental health, and loneliness through the prism of Kafka’s existential literature and the contemporary lens of “Sick of Myself”. The research sheds light on the transformative impact of the digital age on individual identities and highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of the interplay between technology, social dynamics, and mental well-being in the 21st century.

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Technologies and Mental Health How Does Social Media Redefine Loneliness in the 21st Century?

  • Rui Estrada,
  • Marina Prieto Afonso Lencastre

摘要

In the 21st century, the intersection of rapidly advancing technologies with social media, mental health and a pervasive sense of loneliness has become a focus of scientific research. This chapter explores the intricate web of connections between these elements, drawing inspiration from Franz Kafka’s seminal work, “Metamorphosis”, and the thought-provoking film, “Sick of Myself” to unravel the complexities of social recognition through the lens of horror. The digital age has ushered in an unprecedented era of connectivity, marked by the proliferation of new technologies and the ubiquity of social media platforms. While these advances promise greater communication and global connectivity, they also bring with them a paradoxical reality—the rise of loneliness and its profound impact on mental health. Moreover, the pursuit of social recognition through horror, as explored in both Kafka’s literature and contemporary film, highlights society’s twisted fascination with the macabre. The digital realm, with its potential for anonymity and detachment, becomes a breeding ground for disturbing and often horrifying interactions. The fear of social exclusion, a central theme to Kafka’s narratives, finds a modern manifestation in the fear of being socially shunned in the digital realm. The chapter navigates the complex landscape of new technologies, social media, mental health, and loneliness through the prism of Kafka’s existential literature and the contemporary lens of “Sick of Myself”. The research sheds light on the transformative impact of the digital age on individual identities and highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of the interplay between technology, social dynamics, and mental well-being in the 21st century.