CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of study

The importance of mass media as a tool for social control has been emphasized by theorists such as Louis Wirth and Talcott Parson (2012).With the rise of the internet in the twenty-first century, the two-way relationships between the media and the general public have become more complicated. With the introduction of new technologies such as social networking, blogging, and so on, this is beginning to change. The storage and transmission methods or tools used to store and convey information or data are known as media (singular medium). It is commonly known as a synonym for the mass media or the news media, but it can refer to any single medium that is used to disseminate any material for any purpose. With the passage of time, media technology has made communication increasingly easy. Children are encouraged to use media tools in school nowadays, and they are expected to have a basic awareness of the numerous technologies accessible. The internet is perhaps one of the most effective communication tools available. Email, Facebook, and other social media platforms have brought people closer together and spawned new online communities. Some may claim, however, that certain forms of media can obstruct face-to-face communication, resulting in complications such as identity fraud.Individuals are taken aback when a new communication medium is introduced because of its uniqueness or novelty. Communication, according to Lierouw (2005), is the "process of sharing ideas, information, and messages with others at a specific time and place."Participating in the information age necessitates individuals and society communicating and disseminating information more rapidly and effectively than ever before. This is especially true when it comes to communication on social networking sites, which has resulted in communication methods being shortened to as few characters as possible, reaching out to a large number of people at once; it has greatly increased spontaneity because people can respond to events in real time.

1.2  Statement of problem

Anyone can hide behind a text, post, or email, presenting any picture they choose and creating an illusion of their choosing, thanks to technology. They are free to be whoever they wish. Their listeners have no idea what they're missing because they can't pick up nonverbal signs. We are more connected and perhaps more disconnected than ever before, thanks to the sophisticated technologies at our fingertips. In an odd twist, social media has the ability to make us less social, acting as a stand-in for real-life interactions. All parties must be honest, accurate, and not allow it to completely replace human contact in order for it to be a truly effective communication channel.

1.3 Objective of study

The following are primary objectives of the study: 

1. To assess if gender has any bearing on how people use social media. it also seeks

2. To examine if social networking has resulted in a decrease in physical interaction.

3. To determine how people can be encouraged to engage in more physical interaction.

1.4 Research questions

1. Does gender have any bearing on how people use social networks?

2. Has social networking resulted in a decrease in physical interaction?

3. How can people be persuaded to engage in more physical interaction?

1.5 Significance of study

This study adds to the body of knowledge and could be used as a benchmark or guide for future research. It gives information about social networks, their users, and their importance to individuals.Knowledge and use of social networks is not only important or relevant for adolescence, but also for everyone in any profession or career, as it helps them better understand the utility of social networks, as well as correct misinformation and inappropriate use of social networks.

1.6 Scope of study

This study focuses on assessing if gender has any bearing on how people use social media. It also seeks to examine if social networking has resulted in a decrease in physical interaction. And lastly, to determine how people can be encouraged to engage in more physical interaction. This study will be limited to youths in Port harcourt.

1.7 Limitation of study

Finance,inadequate materials and time constraint were the challenges the researchers encountered during the course of the study.

1.8 Definition of terms

Social networking: This an online service, platform, or site that focuses on facilitating the building of social networks or social relations among people who, for example, share interests, activities, backgrounds, or real-life connections.

Personality: This refers to individual differences in characteristic patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving.

Physical interaction: The act or process of interacting, that is, the state of undergoing interaction.

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