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

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

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

9. 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)

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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’.

14. 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.