Factors that influence the perception of isolation: sociodemographic attributes and social use of the internet

Abstract

The article reports part of the results of a study carried out in isolated locations in the region of Aysén, Chile. Among the aspects addressed in this study, we considered the relationship between sociodemographic factors, the social use of the Internet and the perception of isolation. The results show a differential influence of sociodemographic factors (level of education, years of residence, among others) on different dimensions of isolation (roads, workplaces, among others.). That is to say, there are different variables associated to different feelings of isolation. The social use of Internet, oriented at establishing personal bonds, seems to generate a sensation of “connectivity” that apparently extends to other spheres, in such a way that those who tend to have more contacts established through the Internet tend not to feel isolated in any of the dimensions into which the notion of isolation is classified.