Impacts of social networking sites on face-to-face interpersonal communication in Malta

Abstract

This dissertation seeks to measure how Social Networking Sites (SNS) usage varies in relation to age, martial status and gender. This study uses a triangulated approach, using online surveys, questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. The results from all three methods of inquiry reveal that usage is most prominent with Generation Y (ages 18 to 30). However, usage among older generations like Generation X (ages 31 to 45) and Baby boomers (ages 46 to 63) is also gaining ground. Preferences between all demographic groups are also becoming closely aligned, with Facebook being the most popular SNS, and Smartphones being the preferred device for using SNS. This study also confirms that there is a tentative relationship between the amount of time spent online and face-to-face interpersonal skills. The interviews reveal that online participation affects face-to-face communication quite negatively, with highly active users claiming that they feel SNS makes face-to-face interpersonal communication ‘worse’.