| Abstract | Cilj istraživanja je utvrditi postoji li korelacija između sve veće upotrebe tehnologije za društvene interakcije i osjećaja usamljenosti kod odraslih osoba te analizirati u kojoj mjeri korištenje tehnologije doprinosi osjećaju usamljenosti te istražiti demografske i društvene čimbenike koji utječu na ovaj fenomen. Tehnologija, osobito razvoj pametnih telefona, društvenih mreža i digitalnih platformi, omogućuje ljudima stalnu povezanost, ali istovremeno postavlja pitanja o njezinu utjecaju na socijalne odnose i mentalno zdravlje. Rad se temelji na kvantitativnim istraživanjima i pregledima relevantne literature kako bi se dobio uvid u kompleksan odnos između tehnologije i usamljenosti. U istraživanju je korišten prigodno odabrani uzorak odraslih ispitanika, s većinom žena u dobi od 24 do 50 godina, raznih obrazovnih i bračnih statusa. Uzorak omogućuje analizu utjecaja demografskih čimbenika na usamljenost, ali ograničava generalizaciju rezultata na širu populaciju. Kroz pregled literature i kvantitativna istraživanja, rad identificira ključne uzroke usamljenosti povezane s tehnološkom upotrebom, procjenjuje postojeće strategije za prevenciju usamljenosti te nudi preporuke za buduća istraživanja i praktične intervencije. Rezultati istraživanja pokazuju da prekomjerna upotreba tehnologije, osobito društvenih mreža, može pogoršati osjećaje usamljenosti, dok kontrolirana i umjerena upotreba može biti korisna u smanjenju tih osjećaja. Istraživanje je ukazalo na pozitivne aspekte tehnologije u smanjenju socijalne izolacije, osobito među starijom populacijom te potencijalne intervencije koje potiču zdravu upotrebu tehnologije. Rad zaključuje da tehnologija može biti alat za smanjenje usamljenosti, ali njezin učinak uvelike ovisi o načinu korištenja. Stoga se preporučuje daljnje istraživanje s fokusom na razvoju strategija i intervencija koje potiču uravnoteženu upotrebu tehnologije s posebnim naglaskom na ranjive populacijske skupine. Smjernice se kreiraju kako bi potaknule zdravije korištenje tehnologije i promovirale socijalnu interakciju, s ciljem smanjenja negativnih utjecaja na kvalitetu života. I dalje ima jako puno prostora za daljnja istraživanja i razvoj učinkovitijih intervencija usmjerenih na prevenciju usamljenosti u digitalnom dobu. |
| Abstract (english) | The aim of this research is to determine whether there is a correlation between the increasing use of technology for social interactions and feelings of loneliness among adults, as well as to analyze the extent to which technology use contributes to loneliness and examine the demographic and social factors influencing this phenomenon. Technology, particularly the development of smartphones, social networks, and digital platforms, allows people to stay constantly connected but also raises questions about its impact on social relationships and mental health. The study is based on quantitative research and reviews of relevant literature to gain insight into the complex relationship between technology and loneliness. A convenience sample of adult respondents, mostly women aged 24 to 50, with varying educational and marital statuses, was used in the research. While this sample allows for an analysis of the impact of demographic factors on loneliness, it limits the generalization of results to the broader population. Through a review of the literature and quantitative research, the paper identifies key causes of loneliness related to technology use, assesses existing strategies for loneliness prevention, and offers recommendations for future research and practical interventions. The research results indicate that excessive technology use, especially social media, can exacerbate feelings of loneliness, while controlled and moderate use may be beneficial in reducing these feelings. The study highlighted the positive aspects of technology in reducing social isolation, particularly among the elderly, and potential interventions that encourage healthy technology use. The paper concludes that technology can be a tool for reducing loneliness, but its effect largely depends on how it is used. Therefore, further research is recommended, focusing on the development of strategies and interventions that promote balanced technology use, with a special emphasis on vulnerable population groups. Guidelines are provided for creating strategies that encourage healthier technology use and promote social interaction to reduce its negative effects on the quality of life. There is still much room for further research and the development of more effective interventions aimed at preventing loneliness in the digital age. |
| Study programme | Title: Business Administration – MBA; specializations in: Financial Management, Taxes and Business Law, Human Resources and Knowledge Management, Creativity, Innovation and Analytical Management, Creativity, Innovation and Analytical Management, Behavioral Economics, Analytical Management
Course: Behavioral Economics
Study programme type: professional
Study level: specialist graduate
Academic / professional title: magistar poslovnog upravljanja (magistar poslovnog upravljanja) |
