Impact of digital technology on social interaction in the household New media technologies, digital literacy, safety & society Shailak Jani

Research question How are Digital Technologies impacting on social interaction within a household ?

Objective To examine if Digital Technologies bring family members together & increase social interaction within a household or if it leads to decline in social relations among individuals of a household.

Research method Qualitative Research They are designed to capture social life as the participants experience it rather than in a category predetermined by the researcher. Explanation is derived from fewer cases, yet provides finely textured & rich information.

Research design Exploratory Research It provides better comprehension, understanding and insight of problem at hand. Focus was on how they get along in a household, what meaning they give to their actions, & what issues concern them.

Methods of Qualitative Research Interview : capture their perceptions in their own words Observation : to explore meaning attached by participants More than one method is used for in depth and accurate analysis, so it is referred to as TRIANGULATION method.

Sampling plan Sampling Technique : Non Probabilistic Sampling Technique Sampling Method : Snowball Sampling Sample Size : 4 households, 17 individuals (13 adults and 4 children) Sample Location : Vadodara, Gujarat

Observation Voluntary basis & convenient time 4 observations per household Duration lasts mostly 1 hour Participation Observation

Interview Each Interviewee acts as key informant survey 2 interviews per household 1 adult & 1 child per household, Total 8 individuals Semi-structured Interview (probes & follow-up question)

Data analysis Deductive approach Organize the data Identify framework Sort data in to framework Use the framework for descriptive analysis Focus is on content, attitude, individual vs group ideas and actual vs hypothetical experience.

Data Interpretation Location of Digital Technologies : Public areas vs Private areas Frequency of Consumption of Digital Technologies : Negatively related to family time & Positively related to family conflicts Isolation : Bedroom culture & Technologisation of childhood Individualism & Privatization : Solo activity due to availability of ‘greater choice’ leading to erosion of family values

Findings Location of Digital Technology within household plays inherent role in social interaction between members High level of usage of Digital Technologies are associated with decline in communication within family members. Domestication of Digital Technologies in household & technologisation of childhood has led to a bedroom culture & digital divide in a negative way There is an individualism & privatization within a household regarding digital technologies

conclusion Digital Technology is having negative impact on social interaction within household in terms of ‘time allocation pattern, in choice of social function, in transmittal of cultural values & in overall human behavior’ and a positive impact if ‘placed in a public location, less frequency in consumption & done as a shared activity’.

Suggestions In order for Digital Technologies to positively impact social interaction its preferred location should be in a public place like living room. Family members must use Digital Technologies collectively, as a shared activity. Their must be some restraint regarding the frequency of consumption of digital technology within a household.