Digital Worlds and Disconnected Selves: Exploring Alienation in Adolescents and Young Adults

The pervasive integration of digital technology into the lives of adolescents and young adults has reshaped their social and psychological landscapes, often creating paradoxical experiences of connection and alienation. This qualitative study investigates how intensive engagement with digital platforms influences psychosocial well-being, family dynamics, and self-concept among adolescents and young adults in urban India. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 purposively selected participants, with responses thematically analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s framework. The analysis revealed five central themes: (1) Digital Engagement and its Dual Nature, highlighting the balance between utility and overdependence on digital media; (2) Isolation vs. Connection, underscoring the paradoxical co-existence of emotional closeness and detachment in online interactions; (3) Strained Family Relationships, where digital habits disrupt traditional family bonds yet create new avenues for connection; (4) The Alienated Self, reflecting the dissonance between authentic identity and curated online personas; and (5) Mental Health Impacts, emphasizing anxiety, stress, and attention deficits arising from digital overuse. These findings shed light on the intricate interplay between digital ecosystems and psychosocial alienation, suggesting that while digital platforms provide valuable opportunities for engagement and self-expression, they also pose significant challenges to emotional well-being and social connectedness. Implications for digital literacy, family interventions, and mental health support are discussed, alongside recommendations for fostering mindful technology use.