Connected but Isolated: Examining the Relationship between Digital Social Engagement, Loneliness, and Political Polarization Among Generation Z in the Digital Era
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62843/jrsr/2026.v.iii.222Keywords:
Generation Z, Digital Social Engagement, Loneliness, Political Polarization, Social Media, Digital Connectivity, Social IdentityAbstract
Digital technologies have provided a boost for the social and political lives of Generation Z, placing them in a paradoxical situation where they are well connected via digital technologies but also experiencing loneliness and social disconnection. This study examines the connection between digital social engagement, loneliness, and political polarization of Generation Z, with the overall goal of gaining insights into the impact of online connections on the psychological lived experiences and political orientations of young people. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected from 180 Generation Z students of Emerson University Multan, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, and Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture Multan. Data were gathered through a structured questionnaire assessing digital social engagement, loneliness, and political polarization and analyzed descriptively, with reliability, correlation, and regression analysis using SPSS. The results showed strong correlations between digital social engagement, loneliness, and political polarization. Findings indicated significant correlations between digital engagement and increased levels of loneliness and political polarization among participants. Moreover, loneliness was an important factor in the relationship between digital connectedness and politics. The results indicate that while digital communication can offer a sense of belonging and participation, it can also lead to social isolation and polarization when social relationships are predominantly digital. The research contributes to knowledge regarding the complex social consequences of digital transformation among Generation Z and highlights the need to support healthy digital engagement, meaningful social connections, and balanced political use of the internet.
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