Landscapes, cultures and technologies of loneliness: A call for participatory research with young adults

Abstract

In this viewpoint, we propose directions for research about loneliness among young adults. We argue that loneliness should not be individualized as a problem of ‘lonely people’ and ‘at risk’ groups but rather approached as an environmental and collective problem. Based on scholarship about the challenges that young adults face nowadays we identify three central themes: landscapes, cultures and technologies of loneliness. These themes can best be researched with participatory approaches involving collaborations with young adults in different life world-settings.