| This research project is a critique of both electronic media effects and socialization for the largely unstudied sect of Old Order Mennonites from the Weaverland Conference. In an initial pilot study, eight interviews were conducted to obtain reasons for rejection of electronic media. Next, the electronic media studied in this study's survey analysis included cell phones, computers and attitudes toward the internet. The Lancaster Conference Mennonites are employed for group comparison. In a revival of McLuhan's theory, it was hypothesized that the more different electronic media types are used and the greater the number of years they are used, the more socialized the sample group becomes. For the most part, the hypothesis was supported, but the socialization theory was not supported consistently. Overall, new quantitative data were generated for the study group and electronic media. |
