The double-sided coin of loneliness and social media – young adults’ experiences and perceptions

Figures & data

Table 1. Example of the data analysis conducted.

Meaning-bearing unit	Condensed unit	Code	Subtheme	Main theme
… Experienced a sense of alienation… where I’ve been in the company of others… how different… I am… … sometimes… I feel invisible or like no one hears when I talk. … The loneliness can be due to not feeling a connection to others around you… that you feel different from others.	… experienced a sense of alienation … sometimes… I feel invisible … you feel different from others	Being outside, excluded To experience yourself as invisible Feeling inadequate Not belonging anywhere and deviating from the ‘norm’	Alienation – an isolating feeling of not belonging Invisibility – An experience of not being seen or heard and that no one would notice if you disappeared Deviance – A separate element that makes one deviate from the norm	Negative experiences of involuntary loneliness
… I would call self-imposed solitude a sanctuary that gives me freedom… to think undisturbed. … when I’ve been alone… If I get into my own thoughts more in depth I become more reflective. … Learned to enjoy myself and being with myself… And I’ve become independent.	…Self-chosen solitude a sanctuary … I become more reflective [when alone] … enjoy myself… has become independent;	A sanctuary, a place to reload To be allowed to develop, development Getting to know oneself, self-knowledge, both the good and the bad	Sanctuary – a place, a time to breathe Self-reflection – a time to reflect and develop as a human being Independence and self-knowledge – A space where you can be exactly who you are	Positive experiences of voluntary loneliness
… For me, my loneliness arises from an addiction to [social media] – but at the same time… when I feel alone… its two-sided…Stealing time I’d rather spend with my friends… but relieves loneliness when it arises… ‘… both perpetrators and rescuers’	… helps when I feel lonely. ‘Rescuers’ … my loneliness arises from an addiction to [social media]. ‘Perpetrator’	Can alleviate experiences of loneliness in difficult moments Can reinforce experiences of loneliness when one already feels bad	Social media can alleviate perceived feelings of loneliness Social media can cause or increase perceived feelings of loneliness	Social media is a double-sided coin vis-à-vis loneliness

Table 2. Overview of the findings.

Negative experiences of involuntary loneliness	Positive experiences of voluntary loneliness	Social media is a double-sided coin vis-à-vis loneliness
Alienation – An isolating feeling of not belonging	Sanctuary – a place, a time to breathe	Social media can aleviate perceived feelings of loneliness
Invisibility – An experience of not being seen, not being heard, that no one would notice if you disappeared	Self-reflection – a time to reflect and develop as a human being	Social media can cause or increase perceived feelings of loneliness
Deviantion – A separate element that makes one deviate from the norm	Independence and self-knowledge – A space where you can be exactly who you are