INFLUENCE OF PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL NETWORKING (E.G FACEBOOK) ON PHYSICAL INTERACTION

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1   BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
 

Theorists such as Louis Wirth and Talcott Parson(2012) have emphasized the importance of mass media as instruments of social control. In the 21st century, with the rise of the internet, the two way relationships between the mass media and the public is beginning to change with the advent of new technologies such as social networking, blogging and so on.

Media (Singular medium) are the storage and transmission channels or tools to store and deliver information or data. It is also referred to as synonymous with mass media or news media but, may be refer to a single medium used to communicate any data for any purpose. Media technology has made communication increasingly easier as time passed throughout history. Today, children encouraged to use media tools in school and are expected to have a general understanding of the various technologies available. The internet is arguably one of the most effective tools in media for communication. Tools such as email, facebook, and so on, have brought people closer together and created new on line communities. However, some may argue that certain types of media can hinder face-to-face communication and therefore can result in complication like identity fraud.

When a new communication medium is introduced, individuals are quite, taken by its uniqueness or novelty. A definition of communication by Lierouw,(2005) is the “Process by sharing ideas, information and messages with other(s) in a particular time and place”. Participating in the information age requires individual and societies to quickly and effectively communicate and disseminate information like never before. This is particular evident in regards to communication on social network sites which has result in communication methods being shortened to as few characters as possible, reaching out to a large number of persons at once; it has strongly enhanced spontaneity as individuals can respond immediately to events in real time.

1.2   STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
As human beings, our real method of connection is through authentic communication. Studies show that only 7% of communication is based on the written or verbal word. A whopping 93% is based on non-verbal language. For example, on a Friday afternoon, SharopnSeline exchanged text messages with her daughter in college. they chatted back forth, mom asking how things were doing and daughter answering with positive statements followed by emotions showing smiles, and heart happiness.
Later that night, her daughter attempted suicide in the days that followed, it came to light that she’d been holed up in her dorm room, crying and showing signs of depression a completely different reality from the one that she covered in facebook post and text. Indeed, its only when we can hear a tone or voice or look into someone’s eyes that we’re able to know when “I’m fine” doesn’t mean they are fine at all. This is where social media get dicey.
With the use of technology, anyone can hid behind the text, facebook post, email, projecting any image they want and creating illusion of their choosing. They can be whoever they want to be. And without the ability to receive non- verbal cues, their audiences are none the wiser. With all the powerful technologies at our finger tips, we are more connected and potentially more disconnected than ever before. In an ironic twist, social media has the potential to make us less social, a surrogate for the real thing. For it to be a truly effective communication vehicle, all parties bear a responsibility to be genuine, accurate, and not allow it to replace human contact altogether.

1.3   OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

In light of the statement of problem, this study is designed to ascertain the following;
 

1. To know if social networking (facebook) has reduced physical interaction.
2. To ascertain whether gender has implication for the use of social network (facebook).
3. To know which individuals in the extraversion, introversion dimension use facebook more.
4. To determine the ways through which people can be encouraged to engage more in physical interaction.
5. To create a background work for further research and investigation.

1.4       Research Questions

1. Has social networking reduced physical interaction among people?

2. Does gender have implication for the use of social network (facebook)?

3. Does extroverts use social networks more than introverts?

4. In what ways can people be encouraged to engage more in physical interaction?

1.5       Research Hypotheses

Ho: Social networking (facebook) has nosignificant influence on physical interaction.

Hi: Social networking (facebook) has significant influence on physical interaction.

1.6       SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a bench mark or guide for other work or study. It avails individuals with information about facebook, its users and importance.The knowledge and use of social networks (facebook) is not just important or relevant for adolescence alone but also to every individual in any profession or career as it helps to make them better understand the usefulness of social network (facebook), misinformation and inappropriateness of social network (Facebook) can then be corrected.

1.7       Scope/Limitations of the Study

This study is on the influence of personality and social networking on physical interaction with a view of finding a lasting solution to the problem.

Limitations of study

1. Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
2. Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1.8   Definition of Terms

Personality:refers to individual differences in characteristic patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving.

Social Networking: is an online service, platform, or site that focuses on facilitating the building of social networks or social relations among people who, for example, share interests, activities, backgrounds, or real-life connections

Physical Interaction:The act or process of interacting, that is, the state of undergoing interaction.