Isolation From Society and Family – The Pandemic of the 21 St Century

SUMMARY: Aim: The aim of the article is to present the growing phenomenon of people isolating themselves from each other, locking themselves in their home space and limiting contacts with family, neighbors and friends. Methods: This article uses the observation and analytical-synthetic methods of literature on the subject. Results: The conclusions drawn from observations and research on the literature on the subject indicate that, although there has been significant technological development, which, paradoxically, should facilitate interpersonal contacts, it has become much more organic. Isolation from society and family is becoming one of the biggest problems of the 21st century, compared to a social pandemic. This is influenced by the development of technology, changes in lifestyle, as well as global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. More and more people experience loneliness, which leads to mental problems, depression and alienation. The article analyzes the causes of this phenomenon and its effects, emphasizing the need to rebuild interpersonal relationships and support for people at risk of social isolation. Originality: The originality of the article is proven by the analysis of the literature on the subject, daily observation of social behavior, the increase in demand for psychological, psychiatric and psychoanalytic services, as well as the results of scientific research and conclusions resulting from information collected in the form of a review of previously published empirical, theoretical and analytical works on the issues of loneliness and isolation from society and family. KEW WORDS: isolation, loneliness, family, society, technological development, individualism, interpersonal relationships.