Tech and Internet Use Not Isolating People

Fears that the Internet and other personal technologies is turning people into socially isolated hermits are unfounded, according to a Pew Research Center report.

The survey by the Pew Internet Personal Networks and Community found that contrary to the assumption that the Internet is used mainly as way for people to stay in touch across vast distances, it is actually used as much to stay in contact with local people. And it discovered that 71 percent of all users of social networking services have listed at least one member of their core network of influentials as a “friend” on a social networking service.

The use of social networking services such as Facebook to maintain core networks is highest among 18 to 22-year-olds. Thirty percent of 18 to 22-year-olds use a social networking service to maintain contact with 90 percent or more of their core influentials.

Moreover, with the exception of those who use social networking services, Internet users are no more or less likely than non-users to know at least some of their neighbours. However, users of social networking services are 30 percent less likely to know at least some neighbours.

The report said contrary to concerns that Internet use leads to withdrawal from public spaces, Pew generally found that Interest use is associated with engagement in such places. Compared to those who do not use the Internet, Internet users are 42 percent more likely to visit a public park or plaza and 45 percent more likely to visit a coffee shop or café.

Indeed, bloggers are 61 percent more likely to visit a public park than Internet users who do not maintain a blog, or about 2.3 times more likely than non-internet users. The findings also show that Internet access has become a common component of people’s experiences within many public spaces.

The analysis also looked at the many ways that people maintain social networks using communication media. The research centre found in-person contact remains the dominant means of communication with core-network members. On average, there is face-to-face contact with each contact on 210 out of 365 days per year.

Mobile phone use has also replaced the landline telephone as the most frequently mediated form of communication – 195 days per year, while text messaging has equaled the landline telephone as the third most popular means of contact between core contacts – 125 days per year.

Sadly, cards and letters are the least frequent means of social contact – eight letters or cards per year.