HER AND CHATBOTS: A SEMIOTIC ANALYSIS OF THE SEARCH FOR MEANING AND THE NEED FOR COMMUNICATION

The term “crowded loneliness,” selected by the Turkish Language Association as the 2024 word of the year, encapsulates the impact of digitalization on individuals. In an era where face-to-face communication is replaced by online interactions, individuals often feel isolated and emotionally unfulfilled despite being connected to many on virtual platforms. This phenomenon highlights the superficiality of digital relationships and the internal emptiness it fosters. The rapid development of artificial intelligence, particularly in romantic relationships, has deepened this transformation. Spike Jonze’s 2013 film “Her” offers a compelling exploration of “crowded loneliness.” It depicts Theodore, played by Joaquin Phoenix, as he grapples with loneliness and forms a connection with Samantha, an AI voiced by Scarlett Johansson. Samantha’s ability to understand and respond to human emotions starkly contrasts with the superficiality of human relationships. The film examines whether this connection alleviates Theodore’s loneliness or deepens it. This study analyzes “Her” through the lens of “crowded loneliness” using Roland Barthes’ concepts of denotation and connotation, exploring the psychological and societal impacts of the digital age on individuals and contributing to contemporary discourse.