| This research is a qualitative analysis of the impact of intense computer use upon interpersonal relations. Through the use of a structured interview conducted through an interactive computer program called SIGMUND, data were collected from sixty subjects on: (1) the areas of the computer's attraction; (2) the intensity of the interaction with the computer; (3) the level, breadth and depth of the intense computer users' interpersonal relations; and (4) the impact of computer usage on interpersonal relationships. Additional personal interviews were conducted by the researcher with seven of these subjects for further clarification.; The subjects were all extensive computer users. All but one were computer programmers. The subjects spent a mean of 5.13 hours per day at the computer. Most were well educated, and most were computer professionals or in the educational process of becoming computer professionals. Intense computer users grow accustomed to the intense, immediate, intellectual relationship with the computer. Intense computer users look for the same immediate, intense intellectual and unemotional qualities in their interpersonal relations that they find in the relationship with the computer, often without success. This leads the intense computer person to turn back to the machine and become isolated. As the computer person becomes increasingly involved with the computer, his or her interpersonal sphere narrows to include primarily other computer people, who have the intense intellectual qualities that are sought in interpersonal interaction. The computer person also uses computer networks as a means of interaction with other people for the same reasons and to eliminate emotional risks.; The conclusions are that intense computer users: (1) seek the same qualities in interpersonal relations that are found with the computer; (2) due to this, gradually narrow their social field to include primarily other intense computer users; (3) seek instant intensity in interpersonal relations, often without success; and (4) become gradually isolated from humans as this failure increases, reverting more to computer use.; Computer use need not, however, have this negative impact. With awareness of the problems and a concerted effort on the computer user's part, the intensity of the computer relationship can be carried over to interpersonal relationships with some benefit. |
