Connecting from a distance : Enhancing social connectedness among young adults experiencing loneliness in the COVID-19 pandemic

This thesis understands loneliness as a challenge to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The aim is to foster remote social connectedness among young adults experiencing loneliness in the context of a pandemic. The exploration is approached through literature review on loneliness, belonging, social connectedness, including remote communication as a disconnect. The Double Diamond model guided the design process, and design research resulted in insights into loneliness, remote communication challenges for interpersonal settings, and which forms of affection are valued for connectedness. Research findings suggest that openness, attentiveness, and listening are deemed essential for interpersonal connections. Therefore, the concluding design idea targets the dimension of closeness, contact quality, and knowing each other’s experiences to enrich existing social connections. The thesis contributes with insights into what is desired and valued in social connections. Moreover, it proposes a communication tool that could foster social connectedness among young adults experiencing loneliness in the COVID-19 pandemic