Technology and the use of mobile devices has evolved to the extent that people are not able to disconnect.
So says Edward White, who is currently conducting research for the purposes of obtaining a PhD in Psychology at the University of Witwatersrand, with the aim of exploring how mobile phones have changed the way employees regulate their usage between home and work time.
“Most people usually use their mobile phones at work, and through social observation, I have identified an imbalance, as users are unable to disconnect from their mobile devices. What usually happens is that, when one goes on holiday, they take their device with. Through the research, I'd like to understand the dynamics and consequences of such an action,” White points out.
Additionally, the study aims to better learn the dynamics of absent present behaviour, and the psychological effects that White has observed among his peers, where users become absorbed with their devices and neglect real-time conversations in favour of chatting online.
“I have observed absent present behaviour among my peers where we'll be sitting in a restaurant and they will log onto social networking sites while we are having a conversation, de-voiding human contact for the virtual world,” he says.
According to White, the more people stay connected to their devices, the more they become withdrawn - the social cognitive theory aims to understand the consequence of such behaviour.
“We need to understand the consequence of bringing work to a home environment. As a parent, it could mean one does not have enough time for their children or spouses. The reality is that, when one does not give themselves adequate time to rest, they will burn out. There is a need to adjust and differentiate business and personal time to create a balance, “ adds White.
He cautions that children exposed to such behaviour could become social hermits. “Children raised under such behaviour may think it acceptable not to disconnect from their mobile devices, as it's easier to hide emotions behind the phone as you're unable to see the other person. With the evolution of technology, I am concerned about how the next generation will relate socially,” says White.
About 200 to 400 managers who meet the aforementioned criteria are requested to participate in the survey. Participants are required to complete an online questionnaire, after which they will be invited to partake in one-on-one interviews to better understand their usage.
Feedback of general trends will be available from December 2013.
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