Effects of Facebook and Texting on Social Relationships
Open Access
- Author:
- Steinberg, Rachel E
- Area of Honors:
- Sociology
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Samar Farage, Thesis Supervisor
Dr. Stacy Silver, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- Facebook
Texting
Disorders
Loneliness
Connection
Zuckerberg
Smartphone - Abstract:
- Over the last fifteen years, new communication technologies have become ubiquitous among college-age citizens; people between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five now routinely invest significant portions of their time on Facebook, texting, or other media. The excessive reliance on media technologies has been justified on the grounds of improving productivity, convenience, and recreational value. However, researchers have recently warned us of some serious ramifications of these technologies, including addiction, loss of communication, loss of social skills and loneliness. This thesis will focus on both the positive and negative effects of technology of the 21st century to inquire whether or not face-to-face relations are in jeopardy despite our increased connections. Through a campus-wide survey taken by almost 900 students, as well as theoretical research gathered from books, articles, and previous surveys, we find that people still prefer and value face-to-face relationships although they are increasingly incorporating technology into their everyday lives. Facebook and Twitter are expanding the number of networks of connection to others while posing a threat to their quality and depth. Therefore, these technologies haven’t jeopardized face-to-face relations to their extinction just yet, but unless if moderations of these gadgets occurs, then they have the power to.