Technology's+Impact+on+Social+Capital+of+Generation+Y

Name: Rosemary Parker Student Number: n8301751 Tutor: Judith Meiklejohn

// “ //// The Internet is unlike anything we've seen before; It is a socially connecting device that's socially isolating at the same time." // // ( //// Bell, R., 2009). //

** Cultural Artifact ** media type="file" key="HIMYM Clip.mp4" width="300" height="300" align="center" Source: Sidereel (2011, October 18). How I met your Mother – season 7 episode 6 [Video File]. Retrieved from http://www.megavideo.com/?v=ZNC4HWS0

‘How I Met Your Mother’ created by Carter Bays and Craig Thomas, is an award winning American situation-comedy television series. The show was first aired in 2005 captivating its audience with its entertaining characters and light hearted, humorous story-lines. Set in 2030, the plot revolves around one of the main characters ‘Ted’ retelling of the trials and tribulations about his quest for love within New York City (IMBd, 2011). The short excerpt of episode 6 season 7 depicts how thoroughly integrated new technology is within a modernised society and highlights just some of the social ramifications.

** Public Health Issue ** The single most defining characteristic of generation y is technology. Having been born approximately between 1980 and 2000, this generation has grown up with a world of information and technology literally at their fingertips (McCrindle, n.d.). The artefact is a key representation of the defining characteristic of generation y, being the thorough integration of technology within modern society. Additionally the artefact represents the social consequences of technology. This essay will discuss the impact technology has on a society in terms of its social capital; additionally a socio-cultural analysis will be conducted to further understand this confounding issue.

** Literature Review ** The simultaneous relationship between generation y and technology is well documented. Having been born concurrent with the global technological boom, they are the first generation to grow up online (Aeffect Inc., 2000). Generation Y have lived through the age of the Internet, cable television, international terror incidences and globalisation, as enabling technology is this generation’s defining characteristic (McCrindle, M., n.d.). This generation represents the forefront of the social, mobile and connected world (Australian Industry Information Association, 2011). Technology has profoundly altered the modes of modern life and has significantly impacted on the major social institutions such as family, religion, morality and marriage (Sociology guide, 2011). The most noted measure of technology’s impact on modern society is the monitoring of the social capital a community possesses. Social Capital is a health economics term that is used to describe the prominent features such as trust, connectedness and the shared understanding of a network of social relationships within a community that enable and promote advantageous social cooperation (VicHealth, 2005). Throughout the literature it has been argued whether the impact of technology increases or decreases social capital (Kennan, W., Hazelton, V., Janoske, M., & Short, M., 2008). One of the most prominent arguments is that the high usage of web-pages, email, instant messaging, social networking sites such as Myspace and Facebook increases the level of social isolation and therefore reduces social capital (Kennan, W., et al, 2008).

The social implications of technology are widely reported indicating its status as an important issue facing modern civilisation. As stated by Bell (2009), the Internet is unlike anything we have seen before; it is a socially connecting device that has the power to socially isolate people at the same time and deprives people who are not connected. Throughout the literature a resonating issue has been identified that as individuals spend more time online, there are higher rates of emotional loneliness, reduced time dedicated to social causes and social isolation being reported (Kennan, W., et al, 2008). This can be explained as the anonymity and perceived safety of the Internet is deemed as a less-threatening, confidence enhancing alternative to face-to-face interactions. The relationships that are formed online have a tendency to be more superficial compared to any relationships that are formed from face-to-face communication (Kennan, W., et al, 2008). The research that delves into this issue highlights that the necessity to hide behind technology to form relationships is a well noted characteristic of generation y and is viewed as a false increase in social capital (Kennan, W., et al, 2008). Although it cannot be disputed that a relationship is formed, the connections are relatively weak, geographically dispersed and are never fully utilised or maintained and therefore are not beneficial to either individual nor enhances advantageous social cooperation thereby limiting social capital (Kennan, W., et al, 2008; Hampton, K., Goulet, L., Her, E., & Rainie, L., 2009). Another key issue is highlighted in the vast amount of new and emerging information technologies. Organisations reported that with the increase in the information technology systems’ training procedures and complexity of operations, employees are working in a more stressful environment and are under a greater sense of mental pressure, anxiety and pessimism (Liu, J & Wang, J., 2008).

The conceptualisation of the relationship of technology and social capital is multi-faceted. A well-documented study conducted by Putnam (1995), recorded a steady decline in social capital within the American population over the past decades (Bell, R., 2009). Additional research reveals that the induction of the Internet diminishes social capital as its entertainment and informative qualities draw people away from major social institutions such as family, friends and religion (Mignon, J., 2009). Huysman & Wulf (2004), indicated that the technology that currently exists and was established to support communication infrastructure do not create a sense of community, further supporting technology’s diminishing impact on social capital. More recently the idea of the ‘Digital Divide’ thesis identifies that technology in its broadest sense advantages affluent, privileged groups while further marginalising socially disadvantaged populations further challenging social capital formation (W illis, S., & Tranter, B., 2006). In 2006, a widely reported study was conducted in America; results indicated that participants were more socially isolated than ever before (Hampton, K., et al, 2009). The study found that the size and diversity of discussion networks had decreased, fewer close connections were found within neighbourhoods and that new technologies such as the internet and mobile phones were reported as playing a key role in advancing these trends (Hampton, K., et al, 2009). A substantial issue that has been suggested throughout the literature (e.g. Mignon, J., 2009; & Kennan, W., et al, 2008) is that the very nature of social capital is in a state of transition as a result of new technology. The major transformation is evident as strong, local community and civic organisation oriented bonds are challenged by the new modes of social interaction leading towards more spatially dispersed and interest-based online networks that are more diverse in their formation, management and utilisation (Mignon, J., 2009; Kennan, W., et al, 2008).

The literature that documents this poignant issue requires multiple methodologies and contains some major limitations. The vast amount of the studies conducted relied on cross-sectional survey based research that documents different levels and attributes of a community’s social capital in relation to technology use (e.g. Kennan, W., et al, 2008; Mignon, J., 2009; Hampton, K., et al, 2009; Kelly, B. D., Davoren, M., Mhaoláin, Á N., Breen, E. G., & Casey, P., 2009). Additionally, observational research techniques were used to obtain information and monitor unfolding trends (Huysman, M., & Wulf, V., 2004). One of the significant limitations of the literature is that it failed to acknowledge the plethora of individual preferences of interaction available through technology and how these tools were used to build, maintain and expend social capital. Rather, the research focused singularly on time spent online and the impact on social capital (Kennan, W., et al, 2008). Due to the ambiguity and ambivalent methods in attempting to measure and attach a value to technology use and social capital it can be difficult to determine a significant causal relationship.

** Cultural & Social Analysis ** The social and cultural context plays a critical role in attempting to understand and redress this population health issue. The underpinning societal and cultural norms, attitudes and experiences of a generation are what shape that generation’s behaviour (McCrindle, M., n.d.). As generation Y are so comfortable and reliant on technology as a means to facilitate social interaction this further encourages and influences the decline in social capital. Many theorists have attempted to understand and document this phenomenon.

The concept of social capital theory was first coined by Bourdieu (1983) and has been extended and popularised my many theorists such as Putnam (1995). The theme of the research and hypotheses is the recorded decline in social capital since 1970 (Kennan, W., et al, 2008) as a result of technology (Garson, D., 2006). With this theory the role of technology is seen as bidirectional, on one hand technology creates networking opportunities that can potentially encourage social capital formation, however due to deindividuation effect of an online environment it relaxes social norms and erodes social capital (Garson, D., 2006).

As previously mentioned, generation Y are at the forefront of this issue. The emerging technology and generational shift in the mediums for social interactions is challenging the basic concept of social capital. The preference of new technologies by generation Y significantly influence the structural, relational and communication dimensions of social capital (Kennan, W., et al, 2008). These dimensions of social capital are changing in ways that are common and comfortable for newer generations however are potentially alienating and frustrating for others (Kennan, W., et al, 2008). As a result of the new technologies and their utilisation what results may look very different from traditional conceptualisations of social capital, however it may be social capital all the same (Kennan, W., et al, 2008).

This particular public health concern may not be as obvious to detect and measure as others, however it is crucial to increase its awareness. Multiple studies that record the affect of social capital on communities have found that social connectedness correlates with indices of mental health (Kelly, B. D., et al, 2009). Studies have found that as social trust (as a measure of social capital) increases, suicide rates decreased (Kelly, B. D., et al, 2009). Additionally, research has consistently shown that people who are socially isolated or disconnected from others have between two and five times the risk of dying from all causes compared to those who maintain strong ties with social institutions such as family, friends & community (VicHealth, 2005). Lower levels of social trust have been associated with higher rates of most causes of death, including heart attacks, cancer, stroke, unintentional injury and infant mortality (VicHealth, 2005).

In light of this analysis, public health professionals need to refocus their resources in order to readdress this issue. In order to fully understand this public health concern, further research and analysis is needed in the realm of redefining and measuring social capital in relation to technology use in order to make it generationally relevant and appropriate. Additionally, public health experts need to focus on long-term strategies that re-orientate and rebuild strong local community bonds through addressing intergenerational gaps and miscommunications. Finally, the development of social capital requires activating and engaging individuals within a participative environment. Therefore, the Government needs to be active in developing community based public policy interventions at a local Governmental level in order to develop social capital of communities (Claridge, T., 2004). Through understanding, redefining and remodeling traditional concepts of social capital, relevant and appropriate methods can be adopted in order to readdress this public health issue.

** Analysis of the Artefact & Own Learning Reflections ** The excerpt of an episode of ‘How I Met Your Mother’ is a key representation of generation Y and the influence technology has in terms of the changing preference of medium for social interactions and communication. In addition, the concept of thorough technology integration within modern life is clearly depicted. The artefact also demonstrates how the influence of new technologies has challenged previous social interactions and how generation Y can so easily adapt to these new social norms. This artefact is appropriate as it best encompasses the change in social interaction because of the newer technologies that has led to the decline in social capital. As a member of generation Y, I am familiar with how new technology has facilitated new ways to interact socially through online networking and mobile phones for example. Additionally I was interested in how these new means of interaction have ramifications on the amount of social capital communities possess.

Through the critical analysis of this particular public health issue, I have gained an insight into how technology is not only impacting on an individual’s sense of wellbeing (in relation to feeling emotional loneliness and social isolation) but also its impact on a community’s social capital. As a result from completing this assessment, I have been able to improve my ability to critically analyse an issue and be able to make informed decisions that will improve further learning and thinking processes.

** Learning Engagement and Reflection Task ** Page: ** Is generation Y ‘real’ or a creation of the media? Has the media created the ideal body image and what impact is it having on generation Y’s health? ** Comment: Learning Engagement: Great work on your wiki! Hi James, It comes at no surprise that the media plays a huge role in influencing and changing a generation’s perspective in terms of how they view their body shape and what is ‘desirable’. I found it especially interesting how Leone and Fetro’s (2007) research indicated such a drastic change in the emphasis on body image from the 60’s, as well as the fact that the typical female model is now 23% below the average female weight as compared to 8% below the average female weight within the previous generation. I found your essay particularly refreshing as your cultural artefact and your research highlighted more of the male perspective and the clearly deadly ramifications of the need to shape oneself to the media’s portrayal of what is desirable. I really enjoyed reading your wiki.

Page: Comment: Learning Engagement: Brilliant wiki! Hi Livana, Great title of your wiki, it definitely grabbed my attention. All the way through school I was heavily involved in sport so I can definitely appreciate and understand the research and importance of physical activity especially for young women. I found your points about challenging traditional gender roles/norms and that male presence was a huge deterrent for girl’s participation in physical activity particularly interesting. I agree with you when you say that we have come a long way in terms of gender equality, and as you mentioned, the ‘novelty’ of female involvement in sport (particularly LFL, as highlighted by your cultural atefact) clearly demonstrates the sexist attitudes still present within society and that females are definitely still fighting an uphill battle.
 * Boots, Ball and.... Bra? Women in Sport **

** Reference List ** Aeffect Inc. (2000). Review of literature and secondary research on generation Y. Retrieved September 18, 2011 from __ www.**health**.gov/communication/db/FileDownload.asp?ID=86 __

Australian Industry Information Association. (2011). Customer led innovation. Retrieved September 17, 2011 from [] Bell, R. (2009). Social capital: Technology’s impact on society. Retrieved October 15, 2011 from []

Claridge, T. 2004. Building social capital. Retrieved October 28, 2011 from []

Garson, D. (2006). Social capital theory. Retrieved October 17, 2011 from []

Hampton, K., Goulet, L., Her, E., & Rainie, L. (2009). Social isolation and new technologies. Retrieved October 17, 2011 from []

Huysman, M., & Wulf, V. (2004). //Social capital and information technology// [EBL version]. Retrieved from [|http://books.google.com.au/books?hl=en&lr=&id=8uYbB1AeVrYC&oi=fnd&pg=PR7&dq=technology+and+social+capital&ots=AyxprWAlZT&sig=7a4WSsPd_Fj8obvU6mWsytQokb8#v=onepage&q&f=false]

IMBd. (2011). How I met your mother. Retrieved October 26, 2011 from []

Kelly, B. D., Davoren, M., Mhaoláin, Á N., Breen, E. G., & Casey, P. (2009). Social capital and suicide in 11 European countries: An ecological analysis. //Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 44//(11), 971-971-7. doi:10.1007/s00127-009-0018-4

Kennan, W., Hazelton, V., Janoske, M., & Short, M. (2008). The influeces of new technologies on undergraduate preferences for social capital formation, maintenance and expenditure. //Public Relations Journal, 2//(2), 1-21. Retrieved from []

Liu, J & Wang, J. (2008). The negative effects of information technology on employees' mental health and their solutions. //Business and information management, 1//(19-19), 453-456. Retrieved from []

McCrindle Research. (n.d.). New generation at work: Attracting, recruiting, retraining & training of generation Y. Retrieved October 5, 2011 from []

Mignon, J. (2009). Impact of Information technology and communication technology on social capital in aboriginal communities in Canada. //Journal of Information, Information Technology and Organizations, 4//, 127-145. Retrieved from []

Sidereel (2011, October 18). How I met your Mother – season 7 episode 6 [Video File]. Retrieved from __ http://www.megavideo.com/?v=ZNC4HWS0 __

Sociology Guide. (2011). Impact of technology change. Retrieved October 17, 2011 from []

VicHealth. (2005). Social inclusion. Retrieved October 15, 2011 from []

Willis, S., & Tranter, B. (2006). Beyond the ‘digital divide’ internet diffusion and inequality in Australia. //Journal of Sociology, 42//(1), 43-59. doi: 10.1177/1440783306061352Journal