Exploring the Role of Time Alone in Modern Culture

This article is a discussion of a qualitative study in which seven undergraduate college students were interviewed regarding their impressions about the role of solitude in their lives and society’s view of the same concept. Those interviewed expressed value in solitude, but also strongly suggested an imbalance of solitude versus socialization has detrimental effects. The role of social media was cited often, even though not a topic of the interview questions. Responses reflected changes in the conceptualization of solitude in current society. These changes have potential to impact the delivery of mental health services.