Kohtaekaotuse

Kohtaekaotuse is a term encountered in contemporary sociological and urban studies discussions to describe a decline in face-to-face social encounters within everyday life. In common usage it is presented as a phenomenon where opportunities for spontaneous or routine in-person interactions diminish, with potential knock-on effects on community cohesion and social well-being. The word is treated as a neologism that roughly translates to “loss of encounters” in Estonian-influenced discourse, rather than as a formally codified concept in established taxonomies.

Scope and characteristics. The concept is typically applied to urban and semi-urban contexts, including workplaces, public spaces, and neighborhood networks. It aims to capture patterns such as fewer casual conversations, reduced participation in local activities, and a shift toward digital forms of communication as replacements for in-person contact. Researchers often describe it as a spectrum rather than a binary state, varying by locality, occupation, age groups, and cultural norms.

Methodology. Measurement relies on mixed methods: time-use diaries, social interaction surveys, mobility data, and analyses of digital communication alongside qualitative interviews. Comparisons over time or between communities help identify correlations with factors like remote work, transportation patterns, and urban design.

Implications and debate. Proponents argue that giảm in direct encounters can affect social capital, mental health, and civic engagement, while critics caution against treating reduced physical contact as inherently negative without considering perceived quality of interactions and cultural context. See also: social isolation, loneliness, urban sociology, digital sociology.