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Technology does not make us hermits |
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Written by Nick Farrell
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Friday, 06 November 2009 10:05 |
Helps make us social
Rather than making people into hermits, technology is
helping people have larger and more diverse social networks, according to a new
study. Keith Hampton, lead author of the report by the Pew
Internet and American Life Project says his study shows people's social worlds
are enhanced by new communication technologies and that it is a mistake to
believe that internet use and mobile phones plunge people into a spiral of
isolation.
In the report, which has the catchy title "Social
Isolation and New Technology" he said that it is human to blame technology
first when social change occurs. Those who use the internet and mobile phones have notable
social advantages and stay in touch and share information in ways that keep
them socially active and connected to their communities. More than six per cent of Americans can be described as
socially isolated - lacking anyone to discuss important matters with or who
they consider to be "especially significant" in their life. However
that number has not changed for decades.
The study found that the size of people's discussion
networks is 12 per cent larger among mobile phone users, nine per cent larger
for those who share photos online, and nine per cent bigger for those who use
instant messaging. Core networks tends to be 25 per cent larger for mobile
phone users, 15 per cent larger for basic internet users, and even larger for
frequent internet users, those who use instant messaging, and those who share
digital photos online.
Americans' discussion networks have shrunk by about
one-third since 1985 and have become less diverse because they contain fewer
non-family members. In a typical year, people have in-person contact with
their core network ties on about 210 days.
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Mobiles 