The Dilemma of Technology: Positive or Negative Impact on Social Relationships? - Annotated Bibliography

Kraut, Robert, et al. "Internet paradox: A social technology that reduces social involvement and psychological well-being?." American psychologist 53.9 (1998): 1017.

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This research is based on the effect that technological changes had an effect on the welfare of average citizens; majorly focusing on the effect of the telephone. There was a dilemma on whether technology was positively or negatively contributing towards social relationships of individuals. The research concludes that the use of the internet and technology is associated with a decrease in social interactions among the subjects of the study. The psychological well-being and social interaction among people were seen to be decrease; which made people feel lonely in the long run.

Prezza, Miretta, Maria Giuseppina Pacilli, and Serena Dinelli. "Loneliness and new technologies in a group of Roman adolescents." Computers in Human Behavior 20.5 (2004): 691-709.

Italian secondary school students were the target of this study; whereby the aim was to explore the level of loneliness and the degree of the use of computers and other communication technologies. It was discovered that the students associated with a higher economic status were lonelier, which was as a result of an increased use of technology. As compared to those from a lower social status, they were less lonely as they used personal interactions; which was great for their social welfare in the long run. There was a positive correlation between the use of mobile phones and the degree of loneliness associated with each individual, despite the social status.

Sum, Shima, et al. "Internet use and loneliness in older adults." CyberPsychology & Behavior 11.2 (2008): 208-211.

This article offers a brief insight on the effect that the internet has on older adults as they continue embracing it in their daily lives. The use of the internet has led to changes in the relationships and interactions among adults, on the basis of a survey that was conducted. The effect that was noted was the negative relationship that exists between loneliness and well-being as a result of the use of communication technology. Moreover, it was discovered that the use of the internet was associated with a greater level of emotional loneliness; as compared to human interactions before the use of technology was embraced.

Tan, Cetin, Mustafa Pamuk, and Aysenur Donder. "Loneliness and mobile phone." Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences 103 (2013): 606-611.

This study was meant to prove the correlation that exists between the use of mobile phones and loneliness; with the target group being university students. The motivation for the study was the increasing levels of loneliness among university students as they were at that age when technology is at the center of almost all their activities. When the data collected was analyzed, it was discovered that the loneliness score associated with males was higher, as compared to their female counterparts. This was another source of proof that technology can indeed make one feel lonely.

Turkle, Sherry. "In Constant Digital Contact, We Feel'Alone Together'." Alone Together (2012).

The author, Turkle Sherry, examines the effect that technology has on people; whereby we are lonely, and seek the company of the various forms of technology which make us feel connected. In real sense, we are have evolved, over time, into individuals that are afraid of intimacy, and seek to replace human companionship with digital connections; which keeps us connected, but hiding from one another, which simply means that we are always alone. The book provides insight on how technology has cultivated a culture of loneliness; whereby innovations are always eliminating the human element in daily activities such as communication as well as work at home and in offices.