Graduate Program

College Student Affairs

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

2009

Thesis Director

Charles Eberly

Thesis Committee Member

Angela Yoder

Thesis Committee Member

Nancy Marlow

Abstract

This study assessed the use of technology and its impact on face-to-face communication among college students and adults. The researcher utilized a selfdesigned questionnaire to ascertain usage patterns and teclmological devices used by participants in their daily communication with family, friends, and co-workers. A total of 673 respondents participated in the study, consisting of 334 college students (undergraduate and graduate students), and 339 adults (administration, faculty, administrative & professional, and civil service employees) from Eastern Illinois University.

Significant differences were found regarding levels of technology usage and faceto- face communication among college students and adults. Both students and adults used technology extensively when communicating with their family, friends, and co-workers, however, the most common types of communication methods varied in order of preference among respondents. Students reported using the following media most frequently: (1) cell phone, (2) face-to-face communication (3) text messaging, and (4) social networking. The most common types of communication methods used among adults were (1) face-to-face communication, (2) e-mail, (3) cell-phone, and (4) text messaging. Both students and employees reported using face-to-face communication less presently than compared to five years ago, with the student population indicating lesser use of face-to-face communication than adults. Further studies on the impact of technology on face-to-face communication should be conducted at different sites. Since this study was limited to a small Midwestern university, the results may not be a true reflection of generational differences in technology use and socialization.

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