Impact of digital communication on personal relationships

Question 1

What was Turkle’s Alone together study ?

Answer 1

• People doing things that a few years ago would be abnormal
• For example texting during meals
• Alone together = Illusion that technology gives us what we want
• These digital communications can put a strain on offline relationships

Question 2

What was Grannovetters study ?

Answer 2

• Says digital forms of communication are advantageous
• They allow instantaneous communication
• Expanding social ties

Question 3

What was shaw and Grants study ?

Answer 3

• Internet relationships are significantly decreasing loneliness and depression
• Led to self-esteem grew

Question 4

What was Grannovetter’s study about social ties ?

Answer 4

• Relationships are made up of social ties
• Weak ties = acquaintances
• Strong ties = close friends and family members
• Weak ties are more important as they create initial ties and connection

Question 5

How can the strength of a social tie be tested ?

Answer 5

• Amount of time spent together
• Emotional intensity of relationship
• Level of intimacy
• Degree of reciprocity

Question 6

What was Zhao’s study ?

Answer 6

• Looked at how their are certain activities that strengthen relationships
• The activities that are more solitary tend to have a negative effect (e.g online shopping)

Question 7

What was Feld’s study ?

Answer 7

• People use social networks to evaluate themselves and others
• An individual’s social network is directly linked to the number of strong and weak ties a person can maintain