Subculture construction in digital environment: A sociological study on geek subculture

This research explores the emergence of new/micro belonging relations that arise from the intersection of subculture and virtual communities. The objective of this thesis is to comprehend the new/micro belonging dynamics established by individuals through the sense of community created at the crossroads of the Discord virtual community building platform and geek culture.In this study, qualitative research methods and techniques were used belki utilized?. Consequently, in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 participants on the Star Wars Turkey-Sithpedi server, a Discord platform that produces content related to geek culture.The research findings suggest that participants were able to alleviate the loneliness experienced in their social lives by establishing connections based on common interests and values within the micro context of geek culture and the community they built on Discord. In this sense, it has been observed that digital platforms provide significant opportunities for individuals to establish new associations based on shared interests and values.In this context, the participants initially turn to internet-based geek culture as a means to escape the issues encountered in their social lives and form partnerships centered around interests through digital environments associated with geek culture. Secondly, within these digital environments, participants build connections not only in terms of relational partnerships but also through shared values, friendships, and self-expression, thereby relieving their sense of loneliness.