Page 37 - KTUDELL E-LIT | Issue 4 - January 2025

2025 ARTICLES

LONELINESS IN THE CROWD

The Turkish Language Association
(TDK) held a public vote on its website to
choose the Word of the Year. The
Evaluation Board selected the word
“kalabalık yalnızlık” (loneliness in the
crowd) as the word of the year. The
phrase captures the feeling of isolation
while being surrounded by a crowd,
reflecting the emotional challenges of
modern social dynamics.

The Board stated that “kalabalık
yalnızlık” (loneliness in the crowd)
reflects the paradox of feeling isolated
though being surrounded by others.
They highlighted how social media and
digital technologies, despite creating the Illustration by Tuğçe PEKŞEN
illusion of connection, often deepen
loneliness. With modern life and
changing societal bonds contributing to
individuals’ struggles in forming
meaningful relationships, people have
started to feel lonely.

Loneliness is inherent to human nature, and being alone is a difficult journey to navigate. Despite
being surrounded by people, we feel isolated because we are not truly understood. Loneliness has
become a defining struggle of modern life. Even though we are in the most connected time of the
world with the changing dynamics of society, people feel more isolated than ever. Social media
platforms, constantly shifting trends, and a modern life that demands working 9-to-5 significantly
contribute to this feeling. We scroll through Instagram and only see happy moments in others’ lives.
There’s always someone richer, better, or possessing something newer than we do. This endless
comparison leaves us feeling unsatisfied and lonely as if we’re the only ones left out of this wealth and
happiness.

In accordance, the idea of being rich has become deeply ingrained in our lives, pushing everyone to
find high-paying jobs. Modern societal expectations keep us working endlessly to afford things, yet
this cycle only isolates us further. The gap between the rich and the poor grows wider. The rich brag
about their possessions, while the poor and middle-class exhaust themselves. They sacrifice their
identities to look and act like them. This identity crisis often leads to depression and loneliness.

References:
Turkish Language Association. (2024, January 1). Word and concept of the year 2024: Crowded solitude. Turkish Language
Association. https://tdk.gov.tr/icerik/basindan/2024-yilinin-kelimesi-kavrami-kalabalik-yalnizlik/

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