Nov 29, 2009 Comments
Research
Does Technology Reduce Social Isolation?
This is an article by Stefanie Olsen for the Business Innovation Technology section of the New York Times. The article relates social technology to physical networks, and how technology has influences a large change within these networks. An interesting note stated, “People who use social networks like Facebook or Linkedin are 30 percent less likely to know their neighbors and 26 percent less likely to provide them companionship.” I find my self relating to this, because the only neighbors that I regularly talk to are the ones through relationships were built before I started using social networking sites, and before I had a mobile phone. The article also references a study by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, stating that more people still preferred face-to-face communication as their primary means to connect to friends and family. [People see loved ones in person 210 days of the year, where as they were in touch via mobile phones 195 days a year.]
[Click the Image to go to the sourced site]
Social Isolation and New Technology by Pew Internet & American Life Project
This is a full survey put together by the PIALP, titled, the Pew Internet Personal Networks and Community survey. Pew Internet conducted a complete analysis reviewing social isolation and society. Examining peoples personal networks, they researched how Facebook, mobile phones and other technologies have altered society as a whole. Pew states, “Technology pulls people away from social engagement.” Additionally, Pew states that the internet has caused people to not frequent public places any more, like parks cafes, and restaurants.
[Click the Image to go to the sourced site]
Social Isolation in Modern Society by Roelof Hortulanus, Anja Machielse and Ludwien Meeuwesen
I found this book online discussing isolation within the modern society. This one quote really stuck out, and gave me a lot of inspiration for this project.
“Individuals are finding it increasingly hard to develop and maintain a meaningful personal network, and more and more people can be characterized as socially isolated, experiencing feelings of loneliness or not participating in society.” (pg 2)
The last part of my video really represents this quote. As Luke continues to walk on his phone, he becomes more socially isolated by technology. No one is following him anymore; the mobile phone has created loneliness as he is not participated in society.
[Click the Image to go to the sourced site]