Study: Cellphones and online social networking improve connections to others, decrease isolation

A new report from the Pew Internet & American Life Project suggests that contrary to earlier concerns about the effects of technology, the internet and mobile phones are decreasing, not increasing social isolation. The findings challenge the notion that technology pulls people away from social engagement.

Contrasting with results of a 2006 study [PDF] by Miller McPherson, Lynn Smith-Lovin and Matthew Brashears, Pew’s study “finds that Americans are not as isolated as has been previously reported.” Instead of increasing isolation, use of the internet and cellphones is associated with larger and more diverse social networks.

The study stops short of claiming a causal link between using social networking or cellphones and increased connections with other people, but the implication is clear that people using these technologies are more connected with others than those who do not use them.

I believe social networks are becoming popular precisely because they enable people to re-establish relationships that were ruptured simply because people moved away, a side effect of our wonderful mobility.

Listen to this audioblog on how technology is repairing the collateral damage of social mobility.

A TED talk by Stefana Broadbent released this week examines another way cellphones and social networking are helping people to maintain closeness by connecting us to our personal life while we are at work.

Implications for the Elderly

The study’s findings of social network membership by age are particularly stark, indicating (unsurprisingly) that fewer than 3% of Americans over age 65 are using social networking services such as Facebook, LinkedIn, or MySpace.

Social isolation and loneliness are huge issues for older persons. Anyone with a family member of advanced age can probably attest to the heartbreaking affects of loneliness on a loved one whose friends are no longer around. This isolation is a clear cause of increased rates of depression and suicide among the elderly.

If social media and cellphones can help to combat isolation, perhaps agencies working with the elderly need to encourage senior citizens to use them. Given that many seniors have profound antipathy to computers (and I don’t blame them!) smart phones are likely a better way to do that than a PC.