Prof. Dr. Barış Erdoğan, Head of the Sociology Department, evaluating the concept of 'crowded loneliness', which was chosen as the 'Word of the Year 2024' in a public vote participated by approximately 1 million people, stated that workplaces are one of the most important places where loneliness is felt. Prof. Dr. Barış Erdoğan said, 'Employees in highly competitive environments and tempos feel lonely among other employees.'
Prof. Dr. Erdoğan also stated that a 'screen-free dinner' rule could be introduced within the family, and said, 'We can have more face-to-face conversations with our loved ones.'
Prof. Dr. Barış Erdoğan, Head of Üsküdar University's Sociology Department, evaluated the concept of 'crowded loneliness,' which was chosen as the 'Word of the Year 2024' in a public vote participated by approximately 1 million people.
Part of the crowds but alone!
Prof. Dr. Barış Erdoğan, defining modern times as 'a period in human history where individuals interact with wider human circles than ever before, yet simultaneously feel just as alone within these crowds,' stated, 'The concept of 'Crowded Loneliness,' declared by the Turkish Language Association as the word of the year, perfectly describes this situation. Although contemporary humans are part of crowds, digitally or physically, they increasingly live with a sense of internal detachment and isolation. In today's big cities, high population, fast pace of life, and the weakening of traditional neighborhood and community relationships have led people to become alienated from each other. Even between individuals physically close in the same apartment building, or even the same house, emotional distances are growing. Moreover, having hundreds of 'friends' on social media does not always equate to deep sharing; on the contrary, these interactions often turn into a network of superficial and 'weak' ties. It provides us neither assurance nor warmth.'
Even if the number of connections increases, the quality of relationships weakens!
Prof. Dr. Barış Erdoğan, recounting one of the striking events that demonstrated the lack of depth in these 'weak' ties in the virtual environment, which occurred in 2010, said, 'A 42-year-old English woman sent a message to her 1082 Facebook friends on Christmas Eve: 'I've taken all my pills, I'm going to die soon, goodbye everyone.' Not a single friend who saw the message went to her house or called emergency services; instead, they wrote 148 comments, discussing the situation remotely and often in a judgmental, sarcastic, or curious manner. This tragic example reveals how insufficient so many 'friendships' formed through social media can be when seeking real help, interest, or solidarity. The state of disconnection experienced within physical crowds repeats the same paradox in the digital world: as the number of connections increases, the quality of relationships weakens. We feel lonely within crowds as long as our needs to be 'understood' and 'belong' by others are not met.'
A 'screen-free dinner' rule can be introduced within the family
Prof. Dr. Barış Erdoğan, also stating the need for public administration support to guide structural changes and policies, as much as individual effort, to avoid feeling lonely within crowds, said, 'Individually, we can introduce a 'screen-free dinner' rule within the family, and have more face-to-face conversations with our loved ones. Regularly arranging small gatherings with friends, going for walks together, and participating in activities like book clubs can also help combat feelings of loneliness. But unfortunately, all these are not enough to completely eliminate the feeling of loneliness. Because at the root of the problem are some structural issues, and for these to be overcome, it is essential for the state, local governments, and institutions to take serious steps.'
Neighborhood gatherings, street festivals, or iftar dinners can be organized…
Prof. Dr. Barış Erdoğan, also pointing out that the concept of 'neighborhood' as it once was no longer exists much in big cities, said, 'What with urban transformation and waves of migration, we often don't even know who our next-door neighbor is. If events like neighborhood gatherings, street festivals, or iftar dinners were organized, it would be easier to bring people together. Municipalities can be pioneers in this regard; they can not only pave roads but also create public spaces and events that will foster neighborly interaction.'
Social media can encourage face-to-face communication around common interests
Erdoğan, stating that some order needs to be brought into the digital world, said, 'Having many followers on social media does not mean we form real friendships. It might sound a bit like a fantasy, but social platforms could encourage users not just to stay online but to meet at physical events, to communicate face-to-face around common interests. Such applications could pave the way for turning weak ties into strong friendships.'
Remote work increased the feeling of crowded loneliness
Prof. Dr. Barış Erdoğan, stating that workplaces are also one of the most important places where loneliness is felt, concluded his words as follows:
'Employees in highly competitive environments and tempos feel lonely among other employees. If workshops, team-building activities, and social events were organized in workplaces for employees to get to know each other, the 'come in the morning, leave in the evening' cycle would be somewhat broken. Remote work increased the feeling of crowded loneliness. Especially for remote or hybrid employees, regular face-to-face meetings strengthen the feeling of 'I am part of the team.'
We must also not forget volunteering and solidarity projects. A person who participates in social aid organizations and takes an active role in a civil society initiative not only benefits society but also forms deeper and more meaningful connections by meeting people who share similar values. We must instill this culture in our children from school age onwards. In summary, it is essential for all institutions, from state bodies to social media, from municipalities to workplaces, to do their part.'