P/B/19. Dissertation. The Impact of Mobile Phones on social Interaction

This dissertation attempts to understand the reasons behind the growth of mobile phones and the impact of this growth on social interaction. In order to achieve this aim, the study looks at two separate communities. It firstly looks at the impact the mobile phones have had on the social interaction of the general public, and secondly it take a more concentrated look at the subject by studying the impact on the 13-18 year old community. This aim was achieved through the use of questionnaires, a focus group and a literature search. The questionnaires were conducted on both the general public and 13-18 year old community. Similarly, the focus group was also conducted on the 13-18 year old community to gain a deeper understanding of the questionnaire results. Analyses of these questionnaires and focus group, combined with the literature search form a major part of the project. Findings suggest that there is no single reason behind the growth of mobile phones and different factors hold varying levels of importance depending upon geographical, economic, political and social factors. Similarly, whilst mobile phones have had both a positive and negative effect on social interaction, it may be fair to conclude that the positive effects outweigh the negative effects. It is concluded that, it is vital to sustain these benefits whilst attempting to reduce the risks involved through taking a cautious approach in using this technology.