Individualismo Moderno e Sofrimento Psíquico Uma análise da comunidade virtual dos Neuróticos Anônimos

Abstract

This work aims to discuss the relation between psychic suffering and individualism in modern society, within a theoretical-methodological context of anthropology and the sociology of emotions, based on qualitative analysis - using the virtual ethnography method - of present narratives in the "Message Forum" existing in the online group "Caminho Novo" created by the community of Neurotics Anonymous (N/A). This group is a locus (face-to-face and virtual) where individuals interested in participating and selfdiagnosed as neurotic can help each other to solve their common emotional problems and rehabilitate themselves from “mental and emotional illness”, as it points out. The forum, in particular, constitutes a virtual space where the subscribers can share experiences with others at any time regarding their suffering and the process of personal strengthening through the application of the N/A program. For six months, narratives of the members of this community have been read in a period of time that follows its emergence in 2009 until the current year of writing of this monograph - 2019 and early 2020. The axis of the approach is the experiences lived by individuals in a situation of psychic suffering in a virtual environment of mutual-aid. In it, there is a kaleidoscope of narratives with several unique emotional experiences that were analyzed in their content and social meanings. The research started from the comprehensive hypothesis that immersion in the world under a new individualistic orientation would be closely related to psychic suffering, as a social suffering that permeates the narratives of the members of the Mutual Aid Group of Neurotics Anonymous (N/A). This monograph intends, therefore, to embark on the complex relationship between psychic suffering and individualistic way of existing, based on the analysis of the speeches present in the virtual space mentioned.