THE PHENOMENON OF LONELINESS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE ONTOLOGY OF A MODERN METROPOLIS

The article is devoted to the psychological inquiry of loneliness in the context of the ontological features of the modern urban environment. The focus has been made on the links of loneliness and life in a big city. It has been concluded that the main factors that give rise to a feeling of loneliness among residents of modern megalopolises are: 1) the dominance of information technology in all spheres of public life; 2) the introduction of the network principle of organizing life and the destruction of hierarchical connections; 3) transformation of the communicative experience under the influence of the latest technologies (the main features are anonymity, indefinite identification, fear of direct communication, superficiality, functionality, formalism); 4) destruction of traditional forms of solidarity; 5) an individualistic style of behavior and an emphasis on competition for social positions are expressed; 6) the “market character” of modern urban dwellers forcing them to move away from open communication and strive for total control over emotions. Brought to the limit individuation reveals to a person the need to seek support in social contacts. Key words: Personality, Loneliness, Existentialism, Metropolis, Communication