Effects of Social Media on Actual Relationships in Young Adults
Poster Number
22
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Mass Communication
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Padmini Patwardhan
Abstract
The use of social media and the Internet is at an all-time high, especially for young adults. With Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and dozens of other methods of communication available on the Internet and phone applications (apps), young adults are using social media on a daily basis. Access to social media makes it even easier for young adults to communicate with each other, without actually having to speak and interact face-to-face. Research by Valkenburg and Peter has shown that this new form of communication actually negatively affects the way young adults form actual relationships, as well as their self-esteem. This study investigates the effects of social media on actual relationships in young adults. Using survey methodology, we hope to uncover what demographics contribute to social media usage, how often young adults befriend others on social media, and whether young adults prefer to use social media as a means to form relationships rather than in the offline world. Our research will look at social media trends among young adults and how this usage hinders their ability to form relationships while offline. This study will also advance our understanding about young adults’ dependency on social media, its negative effects and why young adults have trouble forming personal relationships offline.
Course Assignment
Mass Communication Theory and Research, MCOM 301, Padmini Patwardhan
Start Date
22-4-2016 12:00 PM
End Date
22-4-2016 2:00 PM
Effects of Social Media on Actual Relationships in Young Adults
Rutledge
The use of social media and the Internet is at an all-time high, especially for young adults. With Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and dozens of other methods of communication available on the Internet and phone applications (apps), young adults are using social media on a daily basis. Access to social media makes it even easier for young adults to communicate with each other, without actually having to speak and interact face-to-face. Research by Valkenburg and Peter has shown that this new form of communication actually negatively affects the way young adults form actual relationships, as well as their self-esteem. This study investigates the effects of social media on actual relationships in young adults. Using survey methodology, we hope to uncover what demographics contribute to social media usage, how often young adults befriend others on social media, and whether young adults prefer to use social media as a means to form relationships rather than in the offline world. Our research will look at social media trends among young adults and how this usage hinders their ability to form relationships while offline. This study will also advance our understanding about young adults’ dependency on social media, its negative effects and why young adults have trouble forming personal relationships offline.
