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From the Perspective of Affective Phenomenology: The Transformation of Loneliness in Modern Society

Author(s)

Wenxuan Qin

Affiliation(s)

Major in Philosophy, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China

Abstract

Loneliness in modern society has evolved from an individual psychological problem into a universal existential issue. The popularization of digital media, expansion of performance logic and symbolization of communication endow loneliness with the traits of alienation, burnout and existential homelessness. Centered on Heidegger’s ontology and from the perspective of affective phenomenology, this paper systematically interprets the essence and transformation of loneliness by integrating media philosophy, bodily phenomenology and contemporary critical social theory. This study argues that loneliness is not a contingent psychological emotion, but an innate existential attunement of Dasein. As the core authentic attunement, Angst bears the ontological function of recalling Dasein from the inauthentic "they-self" back to its own potentiality-for-Being. The concept of Enframing proposed by Heidegger further simplifies language into a mere information tool, which gradually conceals, co-opts and distorts human authentic experience of loneliness. The core dilemma of contemporary loneliness lies not in the deepening of its intensity, but the alienation of its essence: it degenerates from an attunement that awakens authentic existence into homogeneous inner weariness and emptiness. The core mission of philosophy is not to eliminate loneliness entirely, but to arouse people’s conscious awareness of authentic loneliness, so as to rebuild Dasein’s dwelling place and the primordial home of Being.

Keywords

loneliness; Affective Phenomenology; Heidegger; Media Technology; Achievement Society; Intercorporeity; Enframing; Authenticity

References

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