Social Networks and Human Solitude

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Assistant Professor, Department of Ethics of Science and Technology, State Center for Science Policy Research

Abstract

The ethics of social networks is a nascent research branch which has sprouted from the main trunk of applied ethics. This growing literature discusses Web-based social networks in their relations with issues like identity, privacy, and the concept of friendship. In this paper, attempts have been made to develop the list of subjects discussed in the field to include the phenomenon of solitude and its relations with broad changes that social networks have brought about in today’s man lifestyle. Solitude is a rich experience in human life and has been broadly reflected upon in literary, mystical, and philosophical writings of all traditions in the East and West. Contrary to the feeling of loneliness and isolation, this experience is not an unpleasant one. It is full of outstanding exclusive spiritual qualities. In this paper, attempts have been made to discuss the nature, dimensions, and virtues of solitude to show that newly emerging technologies, particularly social networks, will gradually put this experience out of human reach if they are used carelessly and recklessly.

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References

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Strategy for Culture
Volume 9, Issue 34
October 2016
Pages 63-89

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