Publication Date

12-2023

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Rick Grieve, Christopher Peters, Amber Giacona, Sarah Myers

Degree Program

Department of Educational Administration, Leadership and Research

Degree Type

Doctorate

Abstract

Research has well established that the use of social networking sites (SNS) has increased accessibility and connectivity to people with limitless boundaries. SNS have progressively become the preferred source of communication. However, often overlooked is the impact SNS use has on face-to-face interactions, specifically on interpersonal skills. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between SNS use and face-to-face interaction. Specifically, this study examines the participant’s ability to recognize and interpret nonverbal cues with increased SNS use. This was a correlational study utilizing a quantitative design of self-reported questionnaires. A total of 178 participants, ranging in age from 18 – 25 years, participated in completing the series of questionnaires. The results indicated that increased social media use negatively correlated with the participant’s overall social skills. The results of the current study also revealed a negative association between social media use and the participants’ ability to manage verbal and nonverbal communication during social interactions. These results suggested that increased social media use’s negative impact on social skills, specifically interpersonal skills, will likely decrease the quantity and quality of in-person interaction. Other implications are discussed, and further research is recommended.

Disciplines

Communication | Computer Sciences | Interpersonal and Small Group Communication | Social and Behavioral Sciences | Social Media | Sociology

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