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Technology does not make us hermits

by on06 November 2009

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Helps make us social


Rather
than making people into hermits, technology is helping people have larger and more diverse social networks, according to a new study. Keith Hampton, lead author of the report by the Pew Internet and American Life Project says his study shows people's social worlds are enhanced by new communication technologies and that it is a mistake to believe that internet use and mobile phones plunge people into a spiral of isolation.

In the report, which has the catchy title "Social Isolation and New Technology" he said that it is human to blame technology first when social change occurs. Those who use the internet and mobile phones have notable social advantages and stay in touch and share information in ways that keep them socially active and connected to their communities. More than six per cent of Americans can be described as socially isolated - lacking anyone to discuss important matters with or who they consider to be "especially significant" in their life. However that number has not changed for decades.

The study found that the size of people's discussion networks is 12 per cent larger among mobile phone users, nine per cent larger for those who share photos online, and nine per cent bigger for those who use instant messaging. Core networks tends to be 25 per cent larger for mobile phone users, 15 per cent larger for basic internet users, and even larger for frequent internet users, those who use instant messaging, and those who share digital photos online.

Americans' discussion networks have shrunk by about one-third since 1985 and have become less diverse because they contain fewer non-family members. In a typical year, people have in-person contact with their core network ties on about 210 days.
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