Running head: COMMUNICATION THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

Communication through Technology and the Effects on Individual Relationships Submitted by: Irene Snyder Submitted to Dr. Kelly Poniatowski Submitted on: 11-18 -13 Comm 120: Intro to Comm

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There has been an increasing change in technology over the years, which has affected society and the way in which individuals communicate with one another. With technological advances in socializing such as smartphones, texting, and social networking sites, there has been speculation as to the real quality of relationships behind these new forms of communication. One such example includes the predominant social networking site (SNS), Facebook, which was developed by Mark Zuckerberg in 2004, and has since become a fundamental aspect of socialization worldwide (Facebook Obsession, 2011). In the past, face-to-face conversation was the formal means of speaking and communicating with others, however, with advances such as the telephone, then later text messages and SNS, the interaction and deep connection has changed and greatly affected individuals, according to a multitude of sources (Facebook Obsession, 2011; Moriyike, Adenubi, and Idedayo, 2013; Keaton & Kelly, 2000). Several studies have been conducted on the behavioral effects these advances have implemented. Research was conducted at Hartford University on reticent individuals and their personal text usage (O, Connell, n.d). A conclusion formed on this issue was that these shy individuals felt less socially anxious through text messaging, and therefore it aided in their establishment of friendships (O Connell, n.d). Another similar study was conducted on social networking sites, and their effect on the lives of university students in Nigeria. Employing the social learning theory to the study, it was found that SNS did not enhance the university experience of students, however, it did aid in forming mutual friendships with peers as well as a strive to succeed academically (Moriyiki, et al., 2013). While there are positive affects to technology, there are also declensions to the fixation, and it is notable to question at what extent these forms of communication affect personal relationships. Due to the vast use of this technology, it is significant to be aware of the effects they cause on

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individuals. According to Jackson (2005), forty percent of children ages twelve through nineteen possess a cell phone. In addition, seventy percent of the entire nation owns one (Wirefly, 2007). In a study conducted in 2006 on adolescents and their use of instant messaging, texting, and social networks, it was found that the youth involved in the research each spent almost three hours per week solely on messaging. In society, texting and social networking sites such as facebook, are utilized incessantly, which makes its effects an important topic of study. This study involves researching societys relationship with others through technology, such as through texting and Facebook. Does communication through this technology further enhance or inhibit personal relationships in individuals lives? Literature Review Mediated channels are defined as those forms of communication, which may be edited and are not direct; this includes text messaging (O Connell, n.d). Text messaging has often been a topic of debate; it has been questioned if it is able to strengthen and maintain relationships, or if it distracts from the real world. A study conducted by both Donna and Frasier Reid (2004) examined the psychological effects of text messaging. In this particular study, there were two different categories in which individuals were classified as either Talkers or Texters (Reid & Reid, 2004). The research consisted of three hundred and forty-five males and six hundred and seventy-six females; from this group, five hundred and seventeen were classified as Talkers and four hundred and thirty-three fell into the category of Texters (Reid & Reid, 2004). The Texters were found to send twice as many messages as the alleged Talkers. Text messages may be utilized for a variety of purposes including to keep in touch, make plans with friends, and occasionally to play a trick on someone (Bryant, Sanders-Jackson, & Smallwood, 2006). The study conducted by Donna and Frasier Reid (2004), discovered that not only did text

COMMUNICATION THROUGH TECHNOLOGY messages keep people in touch, it also helped individuals to form deep relationships (Reid & Reid, 2004). While they also found that these Texters most frequently maintained text circles, and essentially just messaged a certain group, these individuals established quality and deeper relationships as opposed to Talkers. They found that texting offers Texters a special kind of communicative relationship for which calls are no substitute (Reid & Reid, 2004, p. 9). Facebook While texting has become a popular form of communication, Mark Zuckerberg, a Harvard dropout, developed another medium in February 2004, originally titled thefacebook (Facebook

Obsession, 2011). With the help and ideas of peers including Sean Parker, Zuckerberg launched Facebook originally as a network for college students to interact with one another. While Zuckerberg was accused by a group of seniors at Harvard of essentially stealing their ideas and work with the development of Facebook, he is still regarded as the mastermind behind all of it. Due to its rising success and popularity, companies such as Microsoft Office and Friendster offered to buy Facebook for around ten to fifteen million dollars; however, Zuckerberg still remained faithful to his creation and resolved to further enhance the program (Facebook Obsession, 2011). Currently, Facebook is used by millions worldwide and is often used to form and maintain acquaintances as well as aid those with low self-esteem, who often reveal more information online than they are comfortable sharing in person (Zvwica & Danowski, 2008). Initially the world saw Facebook as a way for college students to be social, make friends, and express themselves. Facebook has developed into much more than this (Zvwica & Danowski, 2008, p. 22). According to Zuckerbergs Harvard roommate and helper in the development of Facebook Chris Hughes, the principal transition taking place is the shift from Facebook being

COMMUNICATION THROUGH TECHNOLOGY simply a destination for users, into becoming the dominant technology empowering the entire social network (Facebook Obesssion, 2011). Oppositions to Mediated Channels Facebook and texting both are commonly used mediums of communication in society; however, studies have found oppositions to these mediated channels. It is suggested that there is a depersonalization when it comes to text messaging and SNS; one reason may be that users are unable to convey tone while sending a text or sharing a status on Facebook (O Connell, n.d). Another valid question offered is that while text messaging may be valuable for creating more friendships, does it do so by creating weaker bonds? (Bryant, et al., 2006). According to Kelly

and Keaton (2007), people are able to answer at their own rate, where it is possible to restrict the connection. Regarding social networking sites and Facebook, it has been determined that some users add supposed friends on Facebook regardless if they are, in actuality, friends (Zvwuca & Danowski, 2008). Frequently individuals change their self-image on Facebook in order to appeal to others, perhaps by appearing to have numerous friends or by exaggerating information; they try to appear cool in the eyes of others by adding more friends (Zvwica & Daniwski, 2008). Cyber bullying Many individuals, especially students, may attempt to become popular through SNS such as Facebook, and often jeopardize who they really are in the midst of anxiety; however, this influence of others and what they think is cool can lead to bigger issues such as cyber bullying. According to a study conducted on cyber bullying in schools, around fifty-three percent of the students indicated that they knew someone who was being virtually bullied (Li, 2005). In addition, it was realized that the majority of victims are female, and half of those victims were above average students; in opposition, the bullies usually were not categorized as above average

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or advanced (Li, 2005). Sixty percent of victims were bullied one-to-three times, whereas almost twenty three percent were bullied more than ten times (Li, 2005, p. 5). This has increasingly become a problem through Facebook and other SNS, as well as the invasion of users privacy. Privacy Settings Cyber bullying has increasingly become an issue across forms of social networking sites, however, another issue and complaint are changes in privacy setting. Facebook has been known to frequently change their privacy settings, however, oftentimes this occurs without the users knowledge and can lead to trouble. For instance, the documentary, The Facebook Obsession depicted a PhD certified woman with thirty years of teaching experience, who as a result of Facebook, supposedly had her whole lifestyle shattered (Facebook Obsession, 2011). After several frustrating and long days at work, this particular woman chose to vent her feelings on the popular social networking site, believing that only her friends would be able to view the content. However to her dismay, the privacy settings had been adjusted without her knowledge, and as a result the disparaging remarks she had posted about students were discovered by their parents. Due to this realization, she was acquitted of her teaching position and lifestyle of the past thirty years (Facebook Obesssion, 2011). In this particular instance, her own ignorance of the settings as well as Facebooks lack of communication regarding the changes, cost this woman much more than her job, rather in essence, her way of life (Facebook Obesssion, 2011). In addition to disclosing private information about oneself, as is the case with the PhD teacher, it is also very possible to expose personal information about others without discerning the magnitude of impact a single message may cause. Results of a study on social networking sites (SNS) in college life, found that overall SNS were helpful, however, the one suggestion made as a concluding note of the research, was for others to think carefully about what they are

COMMUNICATION THROUGH TECHNOLOGY posting on peoples personal pages (Moriyiki, et al., 2013). In the documentary, The Facebook Obsession, a woman named Alana Joy implemented a protest against Facebook, one reason given was due to the continuous change in privacy settings, as well as the distraction she believed it generated on her personal life (Facebook Obsession, 2011). While she encouraged others to simply log out of Facebook at the allotted time of protest, she herself went to the extreme of deactivating her entire account; this took her two and a half hours to accomplish (Facebook Obsession, 2011). In opposition to Facebook, the protestor Alana Joy had argued why the account took such a lengthy amount of time to finally delete, as if Facebook formed a hold over its users and made it grueling to escape from the system. Regarding this lack of ability to escape immediately, it has been proposed that individuals who become obsessed with Facebook, may isolate themselves

and unable to leave the site (Facebook Obsession, 2011). One such individual who participated in Alana Joys protest logged out of Facebook during that time period, and stated that he was able to spend more quality time with his family and build greater relationships without the distraction of the popular social networking site (Facebook Obsession, 2011). Positive Effects of Mediated Channels Contrary to this statement of building greater relationships without the use of social networking sites, many other studies have found mediated channels to have a positive effect on relationships. SNS and text messaging have been found to maintain relationships and strengthen the preexisting network of an individual (Bryant, et al., 2006, p. 582). For example, Facebooks Open graph allows users to share their music interests with friends, and become better acquainted (Facebook Obsession, 2011). In addition, individuals are often found during their time in school, able to form valuable relationships, which eventually lead on to internships, jobs,

COMMUNICATION THROUGH TECHNOLOGY and other opportunities through maintaining relationships on social networking sites (SNS), (Moriyiki, et al., 2013). According to a study conducted on text messaging, SNS, and adolescents, it was found that in the majority of cases these individuals had already established an acquaintance with others before beginning to message and share information through these mediated channels of communication (Bryant, et al., 2006). In the study it was argued that it is often difficult to establish an association with another individual without first meeting the person, or at least having knowledge of his or her first name. While the previous study on adolescents found that most individuals know one another before establishing communication through these mediated channels, concluding results of a study conducted by Donna and Fraser Reid, found that both SNS and text messaging added something extra to their existing relationships with friends and family, but it also took them beyond this, helping them to form new relationships (Reid & Reid, 2004, p. 7). During a study conducted on the use of cell phone devices among youth, it was found that those who possessed

Smartphones, and utilized text messaging were more affixed with the world in which they lived (Squire & Dickers, 2012). Another example is a story in which a young adopted woman yearned to find her birth mother, and did so through Facebook (Facebook Obsession, 2011). After creating a page on Facebook dedicated to finding her long lost mother, through a variety of shares, research, and input, this womans birth mother eventually was found. Under these circumstances the young womans life was forever changed through the utilization of the SNS, Facebook (Facebook Obsession, 2011). Relationships with Professors Mediated forms of communication, such as SNS and text messaging, have been shown to help develop personal friendships, however, for students, they also may aid in developing supportive

COMMUNICATION THROUGH TECHNOLOGY relationships with their academic professors. Shy individuals have been shown to have a

preference of mediated communication, and are often afraid to speak with professors face-to-face due to a fear of a negative assessment (Kelly, Keaton, & Finch, 2004). Those who are not shy when it comes to speaking with professors, often find office hours helpful as a synchronous form of communication, there is no ability to edit or change, however, those who are shy are more comfortable with an e-mail, text, or some other form of mediated communication. Reticent individuals are significantly less comfortable than their non-reticent peers in using synchronous channels to communicate with faculty (Kelly, Keaton, & Finch, 2004, p. 200). Reticent Individuals Studies have shown that these shy, or reticent, individuals benefit from the relaxed relationship and influence of technology through mediated forms of communication. Reticence is a behavior defined as when people avoid communication because they believe it is better to remain silent than risk appearing foolish (Keaton & Kelly, 2000, p. 168). According to Keaton and Kelly (2004), there are six components to reticence, which include the following: need, perceived incompetence, helplessness, anxiety, devaluation, and withdrawal (Keaton & Kelly, 2000). These reticent individuals were found to be more socially anxious, and predicted to most likely be Texters rather than Talkers (Reid & Reid, 2004). Because of their shy and innate demeanor, studies have found that reticent individuals prefer mediated forms of communication, such as SNS and text messaging, because it is asynchronous, allowing them to edit the message and respond at their own leisure (O Connell, n.d). While they do appreciate the asynchronous nature of mediated communication, reticent individuals have been found to initially gravitate towards text messaging, because they are afraid of face-to-face interaction (O Connell, n.d). According to the result of a study conducted by

COMMUNICATION THROUGH TECHNOLOGY Keaton and Kelly (2000), text messaging has a positive effect on these individuals. It has been found to considerably aid in overcoming their shyness as well as reducing the anxiety and

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discomfort which face-to-face communication often arouses (Keaton & Kelly, 2000). In addition to creating a greater ability of socializing, a study on the influence of SNS on college students found the social networking sites aids in elevating a students self-esteem, and therefore academic development as well (Moriyiki, et al., 2013). A study by Donna and Fraser Reid (2004) discovered that the more isolated or socially apprehensive an individual may be, the more likely they are to be a Texter as opposed to a Talker, and maintain closer but smaller networks (Reid & Reid, 2004). Reticent individuals may find that technology buffers them from the anxiety they experience in face-to-face communication (O Connell, n.d, p. 166). Those who may be socially incompetent in person may be capable of developing new friends with greater ease on SNS and as a result become more accomplished and secure both socially and academically (Moriyiki, et al., 2013). Discussion This study involved researching and determining how technology, such as social networking sites and text messaging, affects individuals in society, and has answered the original question determining if technology inhibits or enhances personal relationships. Studies have found several disadvantages to these new forms of technology and mediated communication, such as depersonalization, privacy implications, cyber bullying, and obsession. While these are valid assessments, the overall majority of studies have concluded that there is a positive relationship between text messaging, social networking sites, and individual relationships. Social networking sites, or SNS, have been found to aid interaction between peers at college, as well as beyond into the workforce (Moriyiki, et al., 2013). In addition, studies have found that text messaging aids in

COMMUNICATION THROUGH TECHNOLOGY creating, and continuing relationships which lead to greater success socially as well as

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academically; particularly for those reticent individuals (O Connell, n.d; Moriyiki, Adenubi, and Idedayo, 2013). While these mediated forms of communication do aid individuals in forming, and maintaining relationships with peers, professors, and those in the workforce, it is not necessarily an alternative to traditional face-to-face communication. A conclusion by Keaton and Kelly (2000) on a study on reticent individuals stated, even if reticents learn social skills and change their thinking, they must also decouple communication and anxiety for treatment to achieve maximum effectiveness (p. 175). Those who utilize text messaging have been found to develop deeper relationships with those whom they text most, which eventually impacted their personal face-toface conversations and relationships as well (Reid & Reid, 2004). In addition, studies have shown that social networking sites, such as Facebook, have aided a students augmentation of self-esteem (Moriyiki, et al., 2013). New technology and mediated forms of communication do not replace face-to-face interaction, but rather serve as stepping stones for individuals to develop deeper and more genuine relationships with the world around them.

COMMUNICATION THROUGH TECHNOLOGY References OConnell, M. (n.d). To Text of Not to Text: Teinence and the Utilization of Short Message Services. Human Communication, 13(2), 87-102. Bryant, J.A., Sanders-Jackson, A., & Smallwood A.M.K (2006). IMing, Text-Messaging, and

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Adolescent Social Networks. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 11, 577-592. Squire, K., & Dikkers, S. (2012). Amplifications of Learning: Use of Mobile Media Devices Among Youth. Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies, 18(4), 445-464 The Facebook Obsession [Television Series Episode]. (2011). In CNBC Originals. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: CNBC. Moriyike, L., Adenubi, O., & Idedayo, O. (2013). Influence of Social Networking Sites on Lifestyles, Acculturation and Self-Esteem of University Students in Ondo State, Nigeria. New Media and Mass Communication, 13(2224-3267), 17-26. Reid, D., & Reid, F. (2004). Insights Into the Psychological Effects of SMS Text Messaging. Li, Q. (2005). Cyberbullying in Schools: Nature and Extent of Canadian Adolescents Experience. Paper presented at The Annual Conference of AERA, University of Calgary, Montreal. Zywica, J. & Danowski, J. (2008). The Faces of Facebookers: Investigating Social Enhancement And Social Compensation Hypotheses; Predicting Facebook and Offline Popularity from Sociability and Self-Esteem, and Mapping the Meaning of Popularity With Semantic Networks. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 14(1), 19-23. Keaton, J.A. Kelly, L. (2000). Retinence: An Affirmation and Revision. Communication Education, 49, 165-177.

COMMUNICATION THROUGH TECHNOLOGY Kelly, L., Keaten, J.A., & Finch, C. (2004). Reticent And Non-reticent College Students

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Preferred Communication Channels For Interacting With Faculty, Communication Research Reports, 21(2), 197-209. WIREFLY Corporation. (2007). Facts About Cell Phone Equipment. Retrieved October 17th, 2013, from, http://www.wirefly.org/news/cell-phone-facts.php. Kelly, L., Keaton, J.A. (2007). Development of the Affect for Communication Channels Scale. Journal of Communication, 57, 349-365 Jackson, M. (2005). The Limits of Connectivity: Technology and 21st Century Life. In D.F. Hapern & S.E. Murphy (Eds), From Work-Family Balance to Work Family Interaction: Changing The Metaphor. (pp. 135-150). Mahwah: Lawerence Erlbaum.