Within the scope of the International Loneliness Symposium organized by Üsküdar University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Sociology, the loneliness map of Istanbul was announced. According to the results of the research conducted in 39 districts of the city, more than half of Istanbulites feel lonely. The loneliest group is young people.
The striking results of the "Loneliness Research" conducted by Üsküdar University Department of Sociology were shared at the Loneliness Symposium organized by Üsküdar University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Within the scope of the study conducted under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Ebulfez Süleymanlı, Head of Üsküdar University Department of Sociology; 1300 people between the ages of 18-55 living in 39 districts of Istanbul were interviewed throughout November 2019.
The "perception of loneliness" of individuals of different age, gender, education and socio-economic class living in Istanbul was examined. The study comparatively examined the participants' feelings of loneliness, the reasons that lead to loneliness and the thoughts they recorded on the activities they do when they feel lonely. After the survey and interviews, the Loneliness Map of Istanbul was drawn. Here are the striking results of the Loneliness Map.
53 percent feel lonely
While 53 percent of the respondents stated that they often or sometimes feel lonely; in addition, 36 percent feel unhappy when they are alone.
Young people feel the loneliest!
According to the findings and preliminary data analysis of the research conducted by Üsküdar University Department of Sociology students and Method Research Company team; the group that feels lonely the most are young people, singles, widowed/divorced people, people with low income, immigrants, students who live alone or live at home or in a dormitory with friends.
Women and men are equally lonely
According to the results of the loneliness survey, gender differences do not play a role in loneliness and the unhappiness this feeling brings about. Men, who are traditionally more cautious about expressing their feelings, are equally affected by loneliness and unhappiness as women.
Social media use should be reduced...
Spending time on the internet is one of the most common activities that Istanbulites who participated in the study do when they are alone. People also stated that when they feel lonely, they prefer to sleep, clean or cook and mostly watch Youtube videos.
What can be done to reduce feelings of loneliness?
According to the results of the study, the best way to cope with feelings of loneliness is to spend time with family and chat with loved ones. Other important therapeutic measures include hosting guests, participating in associations or social groups, and engaging in religious or spiritual rituals.