Study On The Relationship Between The Loneliness Of "Empty-nest Youth" And Mobile Social Application

This study focuses on the life of "empty-nest youth" in Beijing and use Use and Gratification frame.Through in-depth interviews of 20 "empty-nest youth ",this paper studies various dimensions of loneliness in "empty-nest youth "'s work and life in big city and the relationship between the mobile social applications such as WeChat and loneliness.Through the study,most "empty-nest youth" are experiencing or experienced loneliness of different dimensions:social loneliness,emotional loneliness,belonging loneliness and network loneliness."Empty-nest youth" left the old intimate social relationship plus the high cost for a new relationship in a new city made them to narrow their social circle.Lack of emotional support from a native family,coupled with single state,"Empty-nest youth" are lack of intimacy.The"empty-nest youth" who live in Beijing are lake of the sense of belonging and security to Beijing because of renting a house.Face with various dimensions of loneliness,"Empty-nest youth" choose mobile social applications to ease it.Instant messaging APPs like WeChat,QQ help them to contact and share with family and friends anytime and anywhere,make up the absence of body;mobile social applications such as Baidu Post Bar,Momo meet "Empty-nest youth "'s demand of human relationships in the virtual space,at the same time bring online social activities to the offline,let"empty-nest youth"find a sense of belonging in the city.This paper finds out that mobile social applications for "Empty-nest youth " is not only applications to provide social support and maintain social network,but also provide emotional comfort,ease the loneliness.Through mobile social applications,the emotional needs of "Empty-nest youth" are basically satisfied,and the multi-functions can satisfy more needs such as informational needs.however,there are problems.Mobile social applications gradually become the life form of"Empty-nest young",WeChat is no longer a simple communication tools,but spawned many functions such as shopping,information,entertainment on the basis of communication and social networking,occupies more attention and time of"Empty-nest youth ".Other categories of mobile social applications such as Weibo,Douban,Momo increasingly become the main way of "Empty-nest youth" to get news and understand the world.In "pseudo-environment",they gradually addicted to it and virtually be deprived of choice.At last,media dependence is growing day by day.There is a bidirectional and dynamic relationship between "Empty-nest youth"and mobile social applications.The former through the use of mobile social applications strengthens existing relationship and establish a new connection.accesses to social support and comfort lonely at the same time,all kinds of requirements are met.The latter gradually becomes a tool for "empty-nest youth" to evade the real social world,and the process of escape could lead to increase loneliness and increase media dependence.In the digital age,the "Empty-nest youth" enjoys the benefits of technological liberation while also faces the reality of being kidnaped by technology.