THEMATIC ANALYSIS AS A QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHOD: THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS, VARIANTS, PROCEDURES, RIGOR, AND EMERGING AI-ASSISTED PRACTICES

Abstract

This research article highlights the effects of excessive connection with digital technologies on real human identity. It mainly focuses on digital hyperconnectivity and self-identity proposed by Sherry Turkle, where the former impliesthatdigital hyperconnectivity is constant connection ofpeople with information, devices, and communication tools etc. and the latter relates that self-identity becomes artificial with the excessive use of technology. By using the short story Jon written by George Saunders as a case study, this work examines how digital platforms influences behavior, relationships, memories, and decision-making. The paper aims to reveal thefactthatdigitalhyperconnectivitycreatesacontradictionthroughscreenswherethecharactersarephysically present but psychologicallyregulated by technology, leading to self-identities stung by depression, anxiety, and frustration, obscuring the boundary between real and artificial. Further, it emphasizes the role of digital media in building self-identities, mainly among teenagers. However, even in a technological environment, real human feelings still survive