LONELINESS IN THE DIGITAL ERA: A CONTEMPORARY READING OF “THE ZOO STORY”

The Digital Age, characterized by ubiquitous technology and interconnectedness, has paradoxically given rise to isolation. Isolation in the digital age is a complex phenomenon. While the digital world offers unprecedented connectivity, it can also intensify feelings of loneliness. Social media, while connecting millions, often fosters a sense of loneliness as individuals curate idealized online personas. Cyberbullying and screen addiction further exacerbate isolation. Algorithms create filter bubbles, isolating users within their own beliefs. Mental health repercussions and a generation gap in technology adoption has contributed to a complex landscape of isolation in the Digital Age, requiring a delicate balance between digital connectivity and genuine human interaction. In today’s digital age, individuals can be more connected than ever through technology, yet they often grapple with a sense of isolation and loneliness. “The Zoo Story” explores the idea that physical proximity does not necessarily lead to meaningful human connections. The play’s themes of alienation and the difficulty of genuine communication continue to strike a chord with modern audiences who may feel disconnected despite being surrounded by others. This paper examines the relevance of Edward Albee’s iconic one-act play, ‘The Zoo Story,’ in the context of the Digital Age and its implications on human isolation. Albee’s exploration of alienation and disconnection in urban life, written in the early 1960s, is analysed through the lens of contemporary digital technology and its impact on interpersonal relationships. The paper explores how the characters, Jerry and Peter, navigate isolation in a hyper-connected world and how the play’s themes resonate with the challenges of modern society. By investigating the intersection of Albee’s timeless work and the Digital Age, this paper sheds light on the enduring relevance of ‘The Zoo Story’ in understanding the complexities of human isolation in the 21st century.