As from the tome computers became more and more available in the homes, scholars have debated on their potential social impacts. The internet is also evolving at a fast with the development of a massive number of applications and diverse sources of information which further aggravates the challenge on the possible outcomes of such innovations.
Social media and the internet can be used for entertainment, business, and information. When individuals use online platforms for entertainment and to find information, the effect is similar to that of television. Most scholars about the social impact of TV have concentrated on content such as gender stereotypes and TV violence. Some sociologists have claimed that TV enhances social bonds (Beninger, 1987 pp. 355). Therefore it appears that social media and other innovations in technology have both positive and negative impacts on the quality of social relationships.
A survey comparing Australian cities before the introduction of TV and after TV become common revealed that TV promoted social activity (Murray " Kippax, 1978 pp. 20). Previous studies have suggested that social networks with offline individuals are related to enhanced offline relationships (Kraut et al. 2002, pp 52).Engagements in social networks through computers and mobile phones enhance offline social relationships as opposed to replacing it. This may be explained in different perspectives. Firstly, individual get to multitask, interacting with friends while at the same time communicating with others through online platforms. Moreover, the use of social networks makes planning meetings with pals easier thus making interactions more convenient. Use of online platforms gives individual a wide field for social space. They give individuals extra channels to make new friends while still connecting with other individuals (Jacobsen " Forste, 2011pp. 279).
Subrahmanyam and Greenfield (2008) point out that individuals especially young adults and adolescents’ engagements with strangers could be linked with some positive outcomes such as moderating social anxiety. They show that online content posses both desired and undesired effects. Although individuals may get some positive relations online, they may encounter negative messages and racism. Also engaging in social networks may enhance social relationships with peers but compromise relationships with parents, siblings and other significant relatives. Social networks are also links to sexual predators who may jeopardize the lives of individuals.
A study found out that young people use instant messaging and other online platforms as an alternative to one on one communications with friends. According to this survey, young people feel less psychologically connected to their peers and romantic partners than face to face. Adolescents prefer to use instant messaging since it makes it easier to communicate with other persons especially to the opposite sex (Subrahmanyam and Greenfield 2008, pp 124).
Kim, LaRose " Peng (2009) found out that inappropriate use of the internet may result in psychological problems such as loneliness and depressions. These negatives outcome, in turn, affect the impersonal relationships. Lonely individuals make use of social networks more frequently as they consider it more convenient that face to face relationships and has higher levels of anonymity( pp. 452) This is commonly the case for persons who have problems with self-presentations skills. As they increasingly get engaged to the online platforms most of them lose the capacity to regulate their involvement online, and as a result the situation becomes compulsive. Consequently, compulsive behaviors have adverse effects such as low attainments in schools and strained social engagements (Kim, LaRose " Peng 2009 pp 454)
In conclusion Engagements in social networks through computers and mobile phones enhance offline social relationships as opposed to replacing it. Those individual especially young adults and adolescents’ engagements with strangers could be linked with some positive outcomes such as moderating social anxiety. Adolescents prefer to use instant messaging since it makes it easier to communicate with other persons, especially to the opposite sex. Use of technology has some adverse outcomes. Inappropriate use of the internet may result in psychological problems such as loneliness and depressions. These negatives outcome, in turn, affect the impersonal relationships
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