Online connectedness as a cure for loneliness?

Online social networks have become a central platform for fostering interpersonal relationships among young people. This article seeks to scrutinize whether social relationships on online social networks foster meaningful social connections: Do they relieve feelings of loneliness for those who are otherwise alone, or do they create imaginary connections that only conceal feelings of loneliness. In this chapter, we will analyze the concept of loneliness, regarding its philosophical and psychological/sociological aspects in general, and specifically, expressions of loneliness in a digital environment. We will examine, on the basis of associated scholarly literature, the concept of connectedness, which is considered as one of the dominant elements of digital environments. We will try to answer the question as to whether collaboration on social networks indeed nurtures significant social relationships and enables the individual to become less lonely.