Relationships in the Digitally Connected Age
Method Stream: Literature Review
ECs: Only 14 EC (standard, no new/own data collection. Applicable in case of a clinical internship)
Description:
We are living in a digitally connected world by which different aspects of our lives continuously shaped through the technological advances. As an inevitable side effect, how we relate evolves with it. Depending on how it is used, or what kind of meanings individuals attach to it, consequences can be either positive or negative. It is possible to identify the digital influence on how individuals relate in various types of relationships. To start with, social media may shape how individuals relate with themselves in the sense that some people may choose present themselves differently in online media. For some, it may be much more easier to communicate with others through social media rather than face-to-face. For romantic relationships, it can have diverse effects in relationship quality, or more specific feelings such as jealousy. In some cases, it can become problematic such as bullying. In some cases, digital media use is the source of conflict as in the some example of parent-child relationships. To summarize, how individual connect with each other, in many different types of relationships, can be influenced and evolved through the use of digital media. As this change happens in a fast pace, we need to see the bigger picture to help us understand it. In this assignment, students are expected to come up with their own research questions and conduct a systematic review on how we relate in digital age focusing on a specific relationship dynamic of their choice.