Navigating isolation: mobilising a digital social connection ecosystem on the urban fringe

Navigating isolation: mobilising a digital social connection ecosystem on the urban fringe

Abstract

This article examines how digital media facilitates social connection in urban fringe areas where social infrastructure often lags behind development. Drawing on interviews with 44 residents in outer metropolitan Melbourne, Australia, we introduce the concept of a digital social connection ecosystem to elucidate how individuals leverage digital platforms to fulfil diverse social connection needs. Our findings reveal layered patterns of digital media use, illustrating how residents use digital tools to navigate time constraints, physical distance, and personal challenges. Younger individuals demonstrate sophisticated digital curation practices, while cultural affiliations influence usage patterns. Digital media supplements face-to-face interactions, with nuanced use across age groups and cultural backgrounds helping alleviate isolation and social anxiety. These insights have implications for community development and digital media design, suggesting the need to integrate digital solutions alongside physical infrastructure in rapidly growing urban fringe areas.

Read the full article here: Navigating isolation: mobilising a digital social connection ecosystem on the urban fringe

Suggested citation:

Savic, M., McCosker, A., & Farmer, J. (2025). Navigating isolation: mobilising a digital social connection ecosystem on the urban fringe. Information, Communication & Society, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118X.2025.2502646