| This dissertation researches possible links between the uses of various modern technologies and their effects on feelings of interpersonal isolation in a young adult sample with the hypothesis that higher levels of technology use would be correlated with higher feelings of isolation in certain areas. Surveys were administered to 126 adults, both male and female, specifying their ages as between eighteen to thirty years old. Participants were only considered for research if they met the criteria of being a full-time student, and/or, a working professional, as these variables were deemed, by the researcher, as necessitating the use of various modern technologies of focus in many cases. Manual labor positions were not considered for research, as they were not assumed to necessarily meet these criteria. The researcher conducted a mixed-methods study and developed two separate questionnaires to assess quantitative data; one focusing on factors commonly associated with feelings of isolation, the other focusing on time estimates for various technologies of focus, including; television, internet, cellular phone, video game, and MP3 player use. Qualitative data was assessed through providing participants with an opportunity to write up to a one page response, discussing how they perceived technologies of focus as affecting their lives in a general sense.;Qualitative data found participant tendencies to discuss dependence on technologies of focus, along with a pattern among female respondents to verbalize more specific feelings of how technology could affect feelings of isolation, as opposed to males. Results appeared to indicate generally positive feelings regarding technology, with few quantitative indications of technology as affecting feelings of isolation, though qualitative data seemed to indicate feelings of dependence on technology, subtle gender variables, and tendencies of participants to view technologies in primarily positive ways, with negative feelings toward technology often verbalized hypothetically.;Quantitative results were analyzed using one way ANOVAs assessing individual feelings associated with isolation as related to specific technology usage, while qualitative data was assessed utilizing discourse analysis, focusing on most frequent themes and patterns of response, with codes developed for those most prevalent. The researcher found no significant differences in quantitative data between male and female respondents with regard to feelings of isolation as associated with various technology uses. One significant correlation of technology use as related to feelings of isolation was found-in lower levels of MP3 player use as correlated to higher levels of time in face-to-face interaction. Higher reported levels of technology use were often related to variables such as sense of belonging and support. Qualitative data showed tendencies of participants to view technologies in positive terms primarily, often discussing perceived negative characteristics in hypothetical or "externalized," beyond the self, wording. |
