New Media Technology: Youth Isolation or Youth Sociation?

Orleans, M., & Laney, M. C. (2000). Children’s computer use in the home: Isolation or sociation? Social Science Computer Review, 18(1), 56-72. Retrieved June 16, 2010, from Sage Publications Online.


“The findings presented in this study challenge the notion that heavy computer users experience social isolation; it was found that the interpersonal lives and computer activities of children reflexively amplified each other” (p. 56). “Although the online world may appear to some as a substitute for interpersonal communication—a virtual sociality that provides only a false sense of connections—it affords many opportunities for children to genuinely interact” (p. 58).

Orleans and Laney (2000) contend that, “Because computers are prevalent in the society, economy, and media, children who are only peripherally exposed to computers may be impaired not only occupationally but also socially in terms of everyday conversations. Children who find computers to be a source of sociality may have a competitive advantage at the organizational level over those who just use computers. Rather than isolating children, the social environment of computing may well prove to be more adaptive than mere possession of technical knowledge” (p. 69).

Although this article was published in 2000 and is somewhat outdated, I feel as if they were on to something, at least in terms of where the current research stands today. The issue of whether or not computers and technology takes away from the interactional capabilities and development of our younger generations has been a major issue since the beginning of the technological revolution. While some scholars such as Susan B. Barnes would argue that, yes, new media technology does indeed erode the foundations of our social development and therefore society as a whole; other scholars such as Danah Boyd take a more new-aged point-of view.

According to Barnes (2009) in an article she published titled, Relationship Networking: Society and Education, “In today’s society, the nuclear family has eroded, community is now based on communities of interest rather than geographic space, and personal interactions are conducted on the Internet instead of face-to-face. As a result, people do not know the basics of relationship building in American culture, which influences identity, democracy, and interactions with others” (p. 735). In strict contrast to the opinion of Barnes, Boyd make the claim that, "Teens turn to social media to reclaim unstructured social encounters, creating a public space which then allows them to simply hang out with their friends, peers, and cohort." From their utilization of social media, teens are able to navigate the real-world complexities of essential social interactivity.

Both Barnes and Boyd have relevant points, and I truly believe that both are right, but not in the same context. Barnes statement is accurate in the context of which we have previously existed throughout history, while Boyd’s assertion speaks more truth to the direction for which we are headed. It is unfortunate in many ways, that our society and the future generations are not going to cultivate and evolve in the same way that our parents and grandparents have; instead, just as Orleans and Laney (2000) predicted ten years ago, while Boyd was still a college undergrad, the interactional development and maturity of our youth will integrate and benefit from the advancements of new media technology.

COM 6270 Reading:
Barnes, S. B. (2009). Relationship networking: Society and education. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 14, 735-742.