Source: Pew Internet and American Life Research
People who use modern information and communication technologies have larger and more diverse social networks, according to new national survey findings that for the first time explore how people use the internet and mobile phones to interact with key family and friends.
These new finding challenge fears that use of new technologies has contributed to a long-term increase in social isolation in the United States.
The new findings show that, on average, the size of people’s discussion networks–those with whom people discuss important matters–is 12% larger amongst mobile phone users, 9% larger for those who share photos online, and 9% bigger for those who use instant messaging. The diversity of people’s core networks–their closest and most significant confidants–tends to be 25% larger for mobile phone users, 15% larger for basic internet users, and even larger for frequent internet users, those who use instant messaging, and those who share digital photos online.
“All the evidence points in one direction,” said Prof. Keith Hampton, lead author of the report. “People’s social worlds are enhanced by new communication technologies. It is a mistake to believe that internet use and mobile phones plunge people into a spiral of isolation.”
Read the full report. http://pewinternet.org/Reports/2009/18–Social-Isolation-and-New-Technology.aspx
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