Sara Ridenour

Graduation Semester and Year

2012

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Sociology

Department

Sociology and Anthropology

First Advisor

Ben Agger

Abstract

We live in a state of constant connection. Literally speaking, businesses provide free Wi-Fi connections to patrons, and smartphones allow people to connect to the Internet anywhere and everywhere. Social networking sites, such as Twitter and Facebook, establish personal connections. These technical and personal connections can enhance feelings of belonging and help people follow current events, but they also create new expectations regarding communication and relationships. Technology provides more opportunities than ever before for people to maintain relationships with each other and the world around them, but that same technology allows people to connect without any face-to-face contact. Technology encourages us to be more engaged and involved, but by doing so, we distance ourselves from true reality, in favor of a virtual reality. This theoretical study distinguishes between "connection" and "community" and focuses on the boundary between electronic connection and face-to-face community.

Disciplines

Social and Behavioral Sciences | Sociology

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

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