[Last modified: November, 10 2024 02:45 PM]
My research on everyday device use—particularly smartphones and headphones—explores how these technologies shape human interactions in public spaces. I want to understand if, and how, these devices foster a sense of connection among people, or if they act more like barriers. I find myself drawn to the ways people use technology to either lean into social interactions or escape from them, especially as the lines between pro-social and anti-social behaviors become blurred.
There’s a subtle political dimension here, as my project questions the societal role of technology and whether it genuinely connects us. The act of viewing certain uses as “escapist” reflects a cultural critique—that perhaps we’re too engrossed in our screens and missing out on real-world connections. This assumption carries a bias of my own, one that reflects a growing concern over the effects of screen time on mental well-being.
The implications of my findings could potentially influence how we view technology use in public spaces. For instance, if the research shows that devices mainly foster isolation, it might fuel arguments for creating “phone-free” areas or initiatives that encourage in-person socialization, especially for younger people. To keep my own assumptions from overly shaping the results, I plan to include open-ended interview questions and embrace a reflexive approach. That way, I can capture participants’ experiences without pushing them into predefined “pro-social” or “anti-social” boxes, making room for a more nuanced understanding of how technology impacts our sense of connection.