AN EXAMINATION OF THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN SHAPING SOCIAL INTERACTION AMONG YOUTHS IN YENEGOA METROPOLIS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Globally, the age of technology has brought humanity a period of remarkable technological advancement, changing the way people communicate, connect, and interact with each other. In this digital world, youths are actively engaging with various digital tools and platforms, which are becoming increasingly linked with their social life. According to Lu & Churchill (2018), the significant impact of technology on interaction among youths is a highly important topic in modern culture. Given that youths dedicate a significant amount of their developmental years interacting with technology, it is crucial to understand the various ways in which these advances in technology influence their connections with others, communication habits, and general social encounters. In the opinion of Cornelius (2018), the advent of the digital age has brought about a period of unprecedented interconnectedness. Modern youths have access to a variety of technology resources, including social media platforms, instant messaging apps, and virtual classrooms. These tools allow them to communicate with peers, educators, and people from different parts of the world. However, these technologies possess the capacity to facilitate cooperation, the exchange of knowledge, and a feeling of inclusion within online communities, thereby broadening the scope of social engagement in unprecedented ways 

On the other hand, contemporary society seems to be in a perpetual state of change, mostly driven by ongoing advancements in technology (Katznelson, 2019). The rapid incorporation of technology into every facet of Nigerian society is causing significant educational, social, and cultural transformations. The exponential expansion and development of cyberspace has been characterised as generating a cultural upheaval (Penzias, 2019). Although, the level of proficiency youths may maintain in using such technologies varies significantly. The proliferation of technologically advanced societal systems, ranging from television programs and internet facilitated mobile phones, has resulted in a division between individuals who possess knowledge of and access to technology, and those who do not (Valadez & Duran, 2018). 

Typically, youths have a higher level of proficiency in using computer technology and are more skilled at navigating the online world (Nussbaum, 2019). However, the challenge faced by educators and parents in supervising their youths’ or students' utilisation of electronic technology has resulted in uncertainty, apprehension, and conjecture over the potential hazards present on the Internet (boyd, 2020; Lenhart & Madden, 2018).  Nevertheless, despite the increasing volume of research dedicated to studying the technology and its impact on modern culture, including surveys that monitor the duration of time young people spend on computers, there is a lack of comprehensive investigations into how technology shapes specifically youths social interaction. Hence, it is in the light of these that the study seeks to examine the role of technology in shaping social interaction among youths in Yenegoa metropolis.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The widespread use of screen-mediated communication has raised concerns about the decline of crucial face-to-face contact abilities, the development of technology addictions, and the ethical quandaries related to online privacy and cyberbullying. Furthermore, youths are increasingly prioritizing their gadgets over engaging with others in their immediate vicinity. This excessive engagement with technology leads to a decrease in the amount of sleep they obtain, since the convenience of accessing social interactions distracts them from focusing on their sleep (Bond, 2019; Khan, Uddin, Mohammed, & Islam, 2019). 

Consequently, youths may experience psychosocial issues and mental health challenges as a result. Cornelius, Birk, Edmondson, & Schwartz, (2018) assert that the preoccupation of teenagers with electronic devices when engaging with peers or forming new friendships might diminish the level of communication within the family and immediate surroundings of adolescents. The situation has the capacity to result in unfavourable perceptions and biases from persons towards youths, thereby establishing negative patterns of interaction. Moreover, excessive engagement with technology leads to a decline in the quality of sleep, which subsequently affects concentration and emotional well-being. Both of these issues also impact the calibre and dynamics of social interaction.  

In a study by Reeck, Ames, & Ochsner, (2019) emotional instability and difficulty focusing during interactions can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts among individuals and groups. These problems highlight the necessity of doing a thorough analysis of the role of technology on youths' social interactions in Yenegoa metropolis.

1.3  Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to examine the role of technology in shaping social interaction among youths in Yenegoa metropolis. Specifically, the study will;

Identify the technology tools shaping social interaction among the youths

Determine the level of exposure and utilization of technology in facilitating social interaction among the youths.

Assess the various ways technology has influenced the dynamics of social interaction among the youths.

Assess the risk associated with the frequent use of technology for social interaction purposes among the youths.

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

What are the technology tools shaping social interaction among the youths?

What is the level of exposure and utilization of technology in facilitating social interaction among the youths?

In what ways has technology influenced the dynamics of social interaction among the youths?

What are the risks associated with the frequent use of technology for social interaction purposes among the youths?

1.5  Research Hypotheses

H0: Technology does not play a significant role in shaping social interaction among youths in Yenegoa metropolis.

Ha: Technology plays a significant role in shaping social interaction among youths in Yenegoa metropolis.

1.6  Significance of the Study

The findings from the study will assist parents and guardians in guiding and enlightening their children about suitable and beneficial online behaviour. Furthermore, social media platform management corporations can utilise the research to enhance their services, create more secure online environments, and include features that promote positive user interactions. Additionally, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regard the role of technology in shaping social interaction among youths in Yenegoa metropolis.

1.7 Scope of the study

The scope of this study is boarded on the role of technology in shaping social interaction among youths in Yenegoa metropolis. Geographically, the study will be delimited to youths in Yenegoa metropolis.

1.8 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed. 

More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

 1.9 Definition of Terms

Technology: The application of scientific knowledge and innovations to create tools, systems, and devices that facilitate tasks, solve problems, and enhance various aspects of life.

Social Media: defined as web based services where users can create a public profile, create a list of users they are connected to, and access their own and other users’ list of contacts (Boyd & Ellison, 2018). 

Social interaction: ways in which youths communicate, engage, and connect with each other.

Youths:Individuals typically aged between 13 and 24 years residing in Yenegoa Metropolis.