Good News: Internet Users Not Antisocial
Source: Tom's Guide US | Keywords: internet, users, socialize, antisocial, Pew | Themes: The Internet
Good news, technophiles. Research shows that an increased use of cell phones and the internet has not led to a spike social isolation. In fact, things are pretty much the same as they were in 1985.
I was a little too old to be told to "go outside and get some fresh air," when I first started using the Internet, but I can't say I wasn't at least a little apprehensive as to whether or not I was spending too much time on my computer and not enough time talking to real people who I was certain existed. A new study by research group Pew shows that the extent of social isolation has hardly changed since the mid-eighties, contrary to concerns that the prevalence of severe isolation has tripled since then. In fact, just 6 percent of the adult population has no one with whom they can discuss important matters or who they consider to be “especially significant” in their life.
Pew goes on to say that Americans’ "discussion networks" have shrunk by about a third since 1985 and have become less diverse because they contain fewer non-family members. But, challenging the concern that people’s use of the internet and cell phones could be tied to the trend towards smaller networks, Pew found that those who owned a mobile phone and participated in a variety of internet activities were associated with larger and more diverse core discussion networks.
Pew reports that those who spend a lot of time on the Internet at work (here's lookin' at you, kid) and bloggers are more likely to volunteer at a local or charitable organization. Pew also reports that frequent Internet users and bloggers are also more likely to confide in a person of another race and just as likely to visit their neighbors than anyone else. However, despite being good Samaritans and social butterflies, it seems social networking isn't all it's cracked up to be. Pew says it found some evidence that use of social networking services (e.g., Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn) substitutes for some neighborhood involvement.
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Except in one or two countries I can think of hehe.. Stupid how they constantly do these studies wasting money when there are better things to do
We wouldn't be "talking" to you if we are anti-social now would we?
yay. I'm not a loser.
But the media and everyone who doesn't spend a bit more time on the internet is convinced that we are anti-social and we lack communication skills and you can name another 500 things they throw at us, because we spend more time then them on the net.
Studies like these confirm what we have been saying all along. It's not that bad and it's not that different from when someone would lock himself up in a room and watch tv.
Some are more extreme and others are just as likely to engage in social activities outside of the internet, they just also spend time on the net.
And I'm sure it's those same 6% who inhabit 4chan's /b/ board...
If you think internet use does not make people anti social try taking a look in practically any forum, it is like Beirut on a bad day, the amount of hate and angst shown over the littlest difference in opinion
People are more passionate and the internet anonymity brings discussion further and harder than it would be face to face, but that doesn't make you anti-social to defend things more black-white.
When you discuss someone IRL you will also consider his feelings more and you will look him in the face and see you can't go any further. Different media, harder to tell the other players real feelings.
But as some topics are fought between 2 or more camps in a very hostile way and to the bone, we also see other topics get recognition for the others point of view, yet disagreement. The internet is filled with more extremes than the real world, but at the same time, as long as you know you are on the net, you know what to expect and you know that that person isn't attacking you, but your ideas.
There are just too many preconceptions that people have that need a more precise revision.. (a few days ago you can remember it was the "2P2 users buy more music" that was cleared).
I use the internet quite a lot and i never felt anti-social! I have actually a healthy social life and in some way i think the internet helped me improve both my social skills and social awareness!
(I'm not a gamer though...)
oh and trinix +1 totally agree.
Oh , darn! I'm social, never would have thought that about me
).
[waiting for a reply from Jane]
I find the study lame.
Seems like a rather pointless study, there's so many forums and social networking sites to converse and be social on. If more people were antisocial these sites wouldn't be so prominent.
That being said, I'm antisocial, now I must retire to my isolation in mother's basement as this social endeavor has caused me great pains.
The social situation in 1985 is hardly a good control. haha anyone remember the trends in 1985?
The Flame wars on the forumns are not much different than the political wars in Congress. In many cases it is the subject of the flame war in the first place. It all boils down to some self righteous communist loving lefty who knows best how you and I should spend our money and time. If we do not conform to their preconceived image of what a "good" person is we must be "re-educated" or forced to conform to their politically or socially correct way of doing things.
Thank GOD I have these studies to tell me about myself. I just would be able to formulate a coherent perspective of the world if I didn't.
Perhaps this study is just wrong... I find that most people use the Internet including the anti social ones.
So while I may be anti social, I do value a good laugh and a hard facts
Oh , darn! I'm social, never would have thought that about me ). [waiting for a reply from Jane]I find the study lame.
A reply to what, exactly?
Now if only I can ask Google to get rid of all information of my username.
Sorry commented on the wrong subject....
But yeah, those "social" sites ,arent very social , especially when a few friends I have on there noticeably never go offline.
waste , i already knew that .
Haha now that our internet connections aren't so slow and reliant on hogging the phone line to stay connected...
To a slight degree. the Internet does offer social outlets, but nowhere near what many would consider "normal" social outlets, i.e. face to face based interactions. With that said though and based upon the article, it appears that the Internet isn't blowing over our basic instinct to be social.
hmm, weren't the 80s terrible? I wouldn't think we would want anything to be like it was in 1985!
I'd say I've increased social (not in person) contact with people since I've started using the internet etc. Talking to a lot more people who relate to you instead of maybe a few you know in person.
i always believe i'm not anti-social. Where are those f*king A-holes good-for-nothing SOBs who think otherwise?
I know I'll only get called a grammar-nazi for this, but the difference is kind of important. The behavior cited in the article refers to "asocial" (isolationism and lack of communication). Antisocial refers to taking hostile actions against others and persistently violating their rights. Antisocial is violent, whereas asocial just wants to be left alone.
I hope I don't get flamed too much for that one.
I know I'll only get called a grammar-nazi for this, but the difference is kind of important. The behavior cited in the article refers to "asocial" (isolationism and lack of communication
). Antisocial refers to taking hostile actions against others and persistently violating their rights. Antisocial is violent, whereas asocial just wants to be left alone. I hope I don't get flamed too much for that one.
I commend you on your courage to point this out! I would never have known
I have seen so many grammatical errors online that I have wanted to correct SO bad, but decided not to because I don't like the idea of getting flamed