Social Networking 1
Social Networking Sites and Family Impact
Heather Copeland
Business Case Project I – BE396 Albertus Magnus College Mr. Paul Hartmann August 11, 2009
Social Networking 2 Introduction The purpose of this paper is to examine Social Networking Sites (i.e., Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc.) and how the use of these sites, through the internet, impact today’s family unit. Socializing is a common and natural occurrence for the human race. It enables us to communicate, share ideas, provide important warnings and bond with one another. Since the beginning of time, humans have found creative ways to interact with one another; drums, smoke signals, letters, telegraphs, photographs, telegrams, telephones, home videos and finally the internet. With the introduction and mass utilization of Social Networking Sites, which began in 1997, a new way of socializing subsequently developed which enables people to socialize around the clock, 24/7/365. In order to ensure that the research in this paper is clearly understood and comprehended by readers, the following terms are described. According to dictionary.com, the second definition of a social network is: A website where one connects with those sharing personal or professional interests, place of origin, education at a particular school, etc. (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/social%20network)
According to dictionary.com, the definition of a family unit is: A primary social group; parents and children (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/family%20unit)
Social Networking 3 Hypothesis Statement This paper will prove that excessive use of Social Networking Sites by family members promote arguments, isolation, separation and divorce within the family household.
Methodology Statement To test the hypothesis, a survey with 14 statements was devised and electronically distributed to approximately 200 individuals of varying sex, ages, parental and relationship status. The population included classmates, co-workers, family, friends and associates from various Social Networking Sites. An-online survey website was utilized to administer the survey (www.surveybob.com). Below are some of the questions that appeared on the survey. 1. How many devices are in use at your home which enable a user to access the internet? (desktop computer, laptop, smart phone, etc)
2. Which social networking site do you use most often? (None, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, LinkedIn).
3. How many hours per week do you use a social networking site?
4. Most of your time on the internet is spent (shopping, social networking site, search engine, conducting business, etc.)
Social Networking 4 5. Have you experienced a family dispute in the last 3 months where a social networking site was the root cause?
6. If you answered yes to the above, how many family disputes were experienced in the last 3 months?
7. How often does your family have meals together?
8. Which meal does your family have together most often?
9. Would you agree that your lack of attention to a family member was caused by excessive use of a social networking site?
10. Have you been reconnected with a former significant other through a social networking site?
11. Have you communicated with the former significant other, identified in the previous question, outside of the social networking site?
12. How many children (who belong to you and are under the age of 18) live in your household?
13. What is your relationship status?
14. What is your current age group?
Social Networking 5 Literature Review We all socialize in some aspect or another. We socialize at work with co-workers, at home with friends and families, with our classmates, and with various individuals in organizations or other networks we belong to; the list is virtually endless. Socializing is a normal part of human activity. It connects us to each other and enables us to share ideas and other information. A person no longer needs to have a face-to-face encounter to socialize. With the creation and widespread access of the internet, individuals are now able to socialize more often with access to a larger number of people than ever before. The use of the internet in socializing transactions has erased all geographical and time boundaries that existed previously. Although this has brought people together, “psychologists say an increasing number of people are using the Internet so obsessively that they are ruining their marriages and careers” (Jamison, 2000). Although Social Networking Sites were immediately embraced by young adults, there is an increase in the number of emerging adults that are using the tool in order to stay connected and rekindle relationships with former friends, classmates and romantic interests. For emerging adults, this is a “time of exploration and instability, a selffocused age, and an age of possibilities” (Subrahmanyam, Reich, Waechter, Espinoza, 2008). These emerging adults have a desire to establish themselves and share their experiences to a mass variety of individuals. The study also demonstrates that these young adults “use technology to obtain social support, and a greater use of online communication tools such as email, chat room and instant messaging (Subrahmanyam, 2008). Once young adults transition into family hood, however, the environment and the need for social networks change. Instead of focusing on keeping in touch with the virtual
Social Networking 6 world, there is a moral, parental and ethical obligation to become less self-involved and become involved and committed to the family that lies within boundaries of the household. With most things, a little moderation and self restraint can be the difference between a healthy activity and addiction, or worse, abuse. The internet is no different and can be very enticing. People can gradually become addicted without realizing that there is a problem. A Wall Street Journal article points out that, “internet use carries some of the same risks as gambling: It can lead to social isolation, depression and failure at work or school” (Jamison, 2000). Most of the internet addictions observed in the Jamison article dealt with users attracted to pornography, but most importantly, “people who are lured by the appeal of creating new identities for themselves” (2000). The internet can bring excitement and allow users to create alter egos, regardless of how boring their lives may be in real life. Social Networking Sites further enable users to reinvent and share this alter ego with the world. The inception of Social Networking Sites began in 1997. Since there has been very little time to thoroughly study their impact on society, there remains to be very limited data, articles and studies conducted on the impact of Social Networking Sites, specifically, and how they impact a users’ personal lifestyle. The development of this new on-line social medium has intrigued several Universities, who have begun to conduct independent studies on Social Networking Sites and use of the Internet. An independent study by the Department of Communication at the University of Delaware indicates that, “Problematic Internet Use” (PIU) is a multidimensional syndrome consisting of cognitive and behavioral symptoms that result in negative
Social Networking 7 social, academic, and professional consequences” (Caplan, 2007). These consequences can lead to adverse behaviors within the family household, with interrelationships between family members and can cause difficulty in employment. The adverse consequences can cause unnecessary emotional and financial stress on a family unit. Online social interactions provide users with great anonymity and can cause a sense of loneliness. Caplan has observed that a “preference for online social interaction (POSI) correlates to the level of loneliness and the experience of negative outcomes due to internet use” (Caplan). Social Networking Sites, such as Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc., have enabled users to virtually shrink the planet and connect with many people from around the globe who have been unreachable and out of contact. This virtual reunion is a major benefit of using Social Networking Sites for most people. Of course, these sites do have some drawbacks. A University of Georgia study has revealed that use of Facebook promotes narcissistic behavior. These narcissists tend to match their realworld behavior, which is full of numerous yet shallow relationships. Furthermore, narcissism in itself “hampers the ability to form healthy, long-term relationships” (Buffardi, Campbell, 2008). The narcissistic personality traits that Buffardi and Campbell refer to can isolate the narcissist from members of the family primarily because they have a need to feel important outside the family environment. Interpersonal interaction is the key to promote and sustain healthy relationships between children and significant others within the household. There are still possible implications of using a social networking site in the unfortunate event that a family does not survive the family-bond, husband and wife, that
Social Networking 8 is. For example, a Kansas City divorce attorney recently published an article about the use of social networks and the sharing of information during divorce proceedings. One of the items pointed out in his article was that “lawyers, however, love these sites, which can be evidentiary gold mines� (Stevens, 2009). The extent at which individuals post personal information on Social Networking Sites is astounding. The best advice is never to post personal information publicly, especially during a divorce, rather communicate privately to one another or through attorneys or mediators. The literature that has been illustrated supports the hypothesis that excessive use of Social Networking Sites by family members promotes dysfunction within the family household. Data Analysis The survey for this study was electronically distributed via surveybob.com and generated to over 200 recipients. A total of 106 respondents completed the survey and provided their personal feedback. There were 14 questions in total, which took approximately 2-3 minutes to complete. Charts representative of the data collected will be provided in Appendix 1a-1d at the end of this report. Appendix 2a-2e reflects the actual survey responses from the on-line website, surveybob.com. Respondents were asked how many devices were in the household that enabled users to access the internet. Devices included desktop computers, laptops, video game consoles and smart phones. Forty-nine percent (51) of respondents indicated that they have at least 1-2 devices in the home, trailed by 33% (35) that have 3-4 devices. The purpose of this question was critical in establishing accessibility to the internet, which is the gateway into a social networking site. Surprisingly, there was one respondent that
Social Networking 9 had zero devices within the household to access the internet; absolutely zero internet connectivity according to the response from this individual on the survey question. Respondents were asked which social networking site they visit most frequently; 60% (64) use Facebook, 16% (17) do not use any, 12% (13) use LinkedIn, and the remaining 12% (12) use either MySpace, Twitter or some other social networking site. According to the data, 64% (68) of users spend 1 to 8 hours per week using a social networking site. The study also uncovered the type of activity users generally perform while on the internet, 22% (23) of respondents equally replied that they either use the internet to conduct business or use a search engine; both ranked number one. Using Social Networking Sites represented 20% (21) of the activity users perform while online and ranked number 3 on the survey results; 12% (13) of respondents do homework, 14% (14) perform other activities. The remaining 13.5% (14) of internet usage was spent shopping, playing video games and downloading music/videos. The core of this study is to determine how Social Networking Sites impact the family environment from within. Respondents were asked if family disputes occurred in the last three months as a result of a social networking site; 81% (86) answered ‘no’ and the remaining 19% (20) responded ‘yes’. Of the 20% that affirmatively responded that family disputes occurred within the last 3 months; 24% (17) of these individuals admitted to having 1-3 disputes within this time frame, and 4% (3) admitted to having 46 familial disputes. Another section of the survey dealt with the amount of time families spend quality time together. Studies have shown that families, who eat at least one meal together,
Social Networking 10 create a healthy, happy and productive atmosphere for the family environment. Based on the data collected from the survey; 33.6% (35) have meals together all the time, 30% (32) have meals together frequently, 29% (30) have meals together occasionally and the remaining 8% (8) never have meals together. Of the meals that families have together most often 82% (86) eat dinner together, 11% (12) eat breakfast together and 7% (7) do not eat any meals together. Another aspect of the survey involves interaction within the household. Respondents were asked if there was a lack of attention to a family member that was caused by a social networking site. The data reveals that 69% (72) responded ‘no’, 23% (24) responded ‘n/a’ and 9% (9) responded ‘yes’. Notice the correlation with the respondents that answered ‘yes’ to this question and those that admittedly do not eat meals together, at 8% (8). The similarity could be strictly coincidental but noticeably obvious. There is very little dispute that Social Networking Sites are responsible for reuniting people, including former significant others. The survey would be incomplete without including a couple of questions involving quasi-inappropriate relationships that have the potential to extend beyond the household. The first question asked of respondents were if they had been reconnected with a former significant other through a social networking site; 58% (62) responded ‘no’, and the other 42% (44) responded ‘yes’. The second question proposed was whether or not the respondent communicated with this former significant other beyond the boundaries of the social networking site; 46% (48) responded ‘no’, 32% (33) responded ‘yes’ and the remaining 22% (23) responded ‘n/a’.
Social Networking 11 The last group of questions related to the demographic make-up within the household; 53% (56) are married, 28% (29) are single and the remaining 20% (20) are a mixture of ‘it’s complicated’, divorced or separated. Of children living in the household under the age of 18; 48% (50) have no children in the household, 24% (25) have 2 children in the household, 17% (18) have 1 child in the household and the remaining 11% (11) have either 3 or 4 children inside the household.
Conclusion The literature review of this paper supports the fact that excessive use of the internet can create behavioral symptoms that result in negative social, academic, and professional consequences. Furthermore, the literature also reveals that Facebook, one of several Social Networking Sites, encourages narcissistic behavior. On the contrary, however, the survey data is weak results in proving the thesis. Deeper studies into this subject are required in order to reach confident proof that there is a direct link with Social Networking Sites and Family Interaction. The data demonstrated that only 20% of the population surveyed state family disputes in the household are the result of using a social networking site. Most importantly, almost one half of all respondents (48%) have not experienced any family disputes within the last 3 months, whether related to the internet or not. Additionally, the data strongly suggests that the number of respondents who claimed that a lack of attention to a family member due to a social networking site (9) is relative to the number of respondents that admit to not having family meals together ever (8). The correlation suggests that the more quality time families spend together, the less chance family member have of feeling rejected.
Social Networking 12 Overall, the data collected does not support the thesis that excessive use of Social Networking Sites by family members promotes dysfunction within the family household. Most people do not use Social Networking Sites excessively, averaging 4.5 hours per week or 38 minutes per day. This is less time than people spend watching television, “the average American now watches more than 151 hours of TV a month. That’s about five hours a day” (Semuels, 2009). Additionally, when it comes to contact with ex-significant others, 42% admitted to reconnecting with one, and 1/3 (76%) have allowed contact to extend beyond the social networking site. One question that was not asked in the survey was whether or not contact with an ex was openly communicated with the user’s current significant other, if any. The data shows that people, for the most part, use the internet for things other than accessing Social Networking Sites; primarily for business and search engines. Users are generally honest and devoted to spending quality time with their family. Issues within the family stem from other underlying factors and are not directly linked to the use of a social networking site. Social Networking sites are a productive and healthy way to stay in touch with friends, families and other loved ones without the fear of jeopardizing and causing dysfunction within the family unit that did not already exist.
Social Networking 13 References Buffardi, Laura; Campbell, W. Keith, University of Georgia, (September 22, 2008). Study: Facebook profiles can be used to detect narcissism. Retrieved August 5, 2009, from Physorg.com Web site: http://www.physorg.com/news141308850.html
Caplan, Ph.D., Scott (November 2, 2007). Relations Among Loneliness, Social Anxiety, and Problematic Internet Use. CyberPhsychology & Behavior, 10, Retrieved August 5, 2009, from http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.albertus.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=psyh&AN =2007-07290-011&site=ehost-live
Jamison, Barbara (2000, June, 13). Obsessive Internet use poses risk of isolation, depression, researchers say. CNN.com health, Retrieved July 23, 2009, from http://archives.cnn.com/2000/HEALTH/06/13/internet.addiction.wmd/
Semuels, Alana (February 24, 2009). Television Viewing at All Time High. Retrieved August 7, 2009, from Los Angeles Times Web site: http://articles.latimes.com/2009/feb/24/business/fi-tvwatching24
Stevens, Shea (June 15, 2009). Kansas Divorce Source. Retrieved August 5, 2009, from Facebook and Kansas Divorce Web site: http://www.kansasdivorcesource.com/uncategorized/facebook-and-kansas-divorce
Social Networking 14 Subrahmanyam, K, Reich, S, Waechter, N, & Espinoza, G (August 15, 2008). Online and offline social networks: Use of Social Networking Sites by emerging adults. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 29, RetrievedAugust 5, 2009, from http://www.cdmc.ucla.edu/Welcome_files/onlineoffline.pdf.
Social Networking 15 Appendix 1-a
Social Networking 16 Appendix 1-b
Social Networking 17 Appendix 1-c
Social Networking 18 Appendix 1-d
Social Networking 19 Appendix 2-a
Social Networking 20 Appendix 2-b
Social Networking 21 Appendix 2-c
Social Networking 22 Appendix 2-d
Social Networking 23 Appendix 2-e