Smartphones
and Human Interaction between Individuals and Groups
Introduction
The
proliferation of technology has seen smartphones taking over the technology
world. It is no longer a buzz word but the real deal in the current
technological application. However, like every other technology, there are some
vices associated with the use of smartphones (Beale 35-41). The underlying
question is whether the use of these gadgets bring people together to create
cohesion and the sense of a community or are the main reason why society is
breaking up (Morse). To evaluate this dilemma, the research proposes to
evaluate the impact of smartphones on how individual people and groups interact
and whether this gadget is responsible for creating a culture of distraction
and disconnection.
The
presence of a smartphone is enough to alleviate and drag down the very essence
of a face to face conversation. Research, case studies and the evaluation of
peer-reviewed material will be applied to indicate the challenges that
smartphones pose to groups and individuals who are engaging each other in a
face to face conversation (burdittzackary). In the end, the research will
determine whether smartphones are always stealing the spotlight and replacing
the traditional model of communication and the impact of this replacement. To
achieve this quest, the research proposal is chronologically organized from the
introduction, the purpose of the study is then provided and a background on the
topic (Morse). Besides, the paper introduces the problem statement to be
discussed in the research with the key hypothesis that is held. The next
section provides a literature review that determines what scholars and other
researchers have contributed on the topic. The design of the research and the
methodology adopted is also inculcated with a proper timeline and budget
speculation of the study within the given scope of relevance.
Background
Information
The
integral part of humanity is communication. It is through communication that
individuals are better placed to understand each other and themselves. The
evolution of technology is a direct correlation of human development
(burdittzackary). The implication of this is that technology changes about the
demands of human evolution in communication and achievement. Contemporary
society has seen changes in the technology sector that have led to
communication at an ease and across various levels of human interaction.
Through technology, the mode of communication is also determined (Morse). The
presence of smartphones has taken the aforementioned a notch higher.
Determining
how the human interaction between individuals and groups is influenced by
smartphones, it is inherent to grasp and have a proper understanding of what is
a smartphone. In this section, the essence is to provide a correlation between
human interaction and communication and how smartphones influence the flow of
this channel (Bradley). From definition, a smartphone refers to a communication
device that has advanced phone capabilities. As such, it presents users with
magnificent capabilities and computing power that keeps their needs catered on
their fingernails. The technology adopted in the design and delivery of
smartphones is unique in that it is tailored to engage the users beyond their
common interest and needs. The application of this technology has gone a long
way in revolutionizing the social world in how people communicate and
interact. It is for this reason that
every individual in this modern age aims at owing a smartphone from a tender
age (Dickerson). The possession of the gadget represents a certain belonging to
social class. The superior the smartphone, the smarter the individual, is
considered in the social arena (Bradley). Social media is thus dominated by
individuals with smartphones, and this poses the question of ethical and
smartphones morality when it comes to communication. In the research, this
paper proposes to cover the area of smartphones and communication at an
individual and group level in more detail (Havel et al.). Key emphasis is paid
to the effects and influence of smartphones on individuals and groups on
personal development and attention.
Problem
Statement
Any
reputable research aims at addressing a central question or idea. This is
considered the problem statement of the research. In this proposal, the case is
not different; the research central idea is to determine to what extent
smartphones influence modern communication both at an individual level and a
group level.
Purpose
of the Study
Smartphones
are responsible for providing applications that merely manage every aspect of
daily human life. The result is increased efficiency, communication, and
productivity. Therefore, the very nature of the presence of smartphones cannot
be overlooked since the devices offer a variety of advantages to human life
(Morse). Despite this, the constant connection to smartphones, the internet,
and various connectivity comes distraction and disconnection. It is worth
noting that the increased growth rate of smartphone and its associated
technologies has resulted in a transformation of human life (Shin et al. 2207-2214).
Modern culture is characterized by communication, socialization, and
interaction with the smartphone being the primary driver of the interaction.
This
poses a paradox in that while the same gadget helps people to communicate and
stay connected with a variety of people at the same moment, it takes the gist
of the present moment. Thus, it lowers the quality of face to face
communication and interactions in real life (Beale 35-41). For this reason, the
purpose of the study is cemented in determining how smartphones affect human
interaction on an individual as well as a group level. The research topic thus
has importance to the research as it will determine the extent to which
smartphones are detrimental in human interactions and connection (Havel et al.).
Despite this, the various approaches to be used to ensure that basic
connectivity and interaction of human behavior that has been replaced by the
advent of smartphones and technology is not eradicated will be evaluated. The
evaluation forms the basis for a recommendation on ways to curb technology from
continually stealing the basic and inherent human connectivity; communication
on a face to face level (Weiss and Samenow 241-246). To achieve this purpose,
the research will be directed by the following questions;
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