This research investigates and provides a deeper insight into what is meant by effective communication, then relates this to how young people in Cuba communicate today and how changes in technology have already affected the communication style of youngsters in this country. The results suggest that face to face communications are diminishing at the expense of digital communications such as SMS and Social Media.This could have adverse affects in future on how well young and older people live and work together in local communities. It is suggested to take proactive steps now to educate young people in the correct use of emerging technology to ensure that they do not lose their ability to communicate effectively with people at all ages in future. Social Psychology has a responsibility to improve the lives of people at all ages. It could become the driving force to educate young people how to make good use of the new technology whilst at the same time trying not to lose existing abilities to communicate effectively with people face to face and with respect. The outcome of this research should also be of interest to other countries. The adverse impact of new technology on how young people communicate is now evident world-wide.
Keywords: Face to face communications, technology, social media, attitude, social responsibilities
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Literature Review
1.3 Main Research Questions
2. Research Methodology
2.1 Method
2.2 Data Collection and Interpretation
3. Results
3.1 Literature Review
3.2 Face to Face Interviews
4. Discussion
5. Conclusions
Research Objectives & Topics
This research aims to investigate the impact of modern communication technologies on the communication styles and social relationships of young people in Santiago de Cuba, with the ultimate goal of identifying proactive educational measures to preserve effective face-to-face communication skills within local communities.
- The influence of digital technology (SMS, social media) on youth communication.
- The importance of face-to-face communication for community cohesion and intergenerational relationships.
- The role of Social Psychology in fostering educational strategies for technology use.
- Empirical analysis of communication habits among young people aged 19 to 26 in Cuba.
Excerpt from the Book
1.2 Literature Review
Rogers and Steinfatt (1999) argue that communication is a process. Those, who communicate, create and share information in such a way that all parties understand each other mutually. People communicate from the moment they are born. Communication is essential to build the social relationship skills of people and to develop their personality and socialisation. Every single exchange of information between those engaged is a form of communication. Each communication happens at a certain point in time. This process builds on previous exchanges of information and builds on future exchanges, thus creating a communication process over time (Fig. 2).
Rogers and Steinfatt suggest that all communications are made up of intrapersonal and interpersonal communications. The first one deals with the exchange of information inside a person. This is the process of selecting and interpreting symbols to represent thoughts, perceptions or physical reality. The second one involves face to face communications of information between people. Interpersonal communication is about exchanging mutually understood symbols. It involves communicating both with oneself (intrapersonal) as well as others (interpersonal). The meanings of a message are within the person who created the message. Meanings are ‘interpreted through a process in which the message content is interfaced with an individual’s feelings, prior experiences, and cultural values’ (p. 128).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the research focus on social science within the Universidad de Oriente and the necessity of studying communication patterns in Cuba.
2. Research Methodology: Details the constructivist interpretivist approach, including the demographic details of the 41 student participants and the semi-structured interview process.
3. Results: Presents the findings from the literature review and the qualitative data gathered from face-to-face interviews regarding current youth communication habits.
4. Discussion: Analyzes the shift from traditional face-to-face interaction to digital media and the potential negative consequences for community bonding.
5. Conclusions: Offers recommendations for educating youth on the balanced use of technology and proposes further comparative research.
Keywords
Face to face communications, technology, social media, attitude, social responsibilities, Cuban study, intercultural communication, active listening, social psychology, digital communication, community development, youth behavior, educational strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research investigates how communication technology, such as mobile phones and social media, is affecting the way young people in Cuba interact with their peers and older generations.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The study covers the definition of effective communication, the importance of non-verbal cues, the role of attitude in conversation, and the impact of technology on social cohesion.
What is the central research question?
The study seeks to understand if the arrival of new technologies has negatively influenced the communication styles of young Cubans and if this shift affects their ability to maintain vital local community ties.
Which scientific methodology was employed?
The authors utilized a constructivist interpretivist approach within a phenomenological research paradigm, incorporating a literature review and semi-structured face-to-face interviews.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body discusses existing communication theories, the results of interviews with students at the Universidad de Oriente, and the potential long-term social implications for local communities.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include face-to-face communications, social media, youth behavior, social responsibility, and digital impact.
How does this study define effective communication?
Effective communication is defined as a process where meanings are transmitted and received as intended, involving the exchange of information, attitudes, and emotions through mutual feedback.
What does the study suggest about non-verbal communication?
The study emphasizes that non-verbal communication, such as body language and eye contact, is a "silent language" that is often more honest and foundational to building trust than verbal communication.
What specific recommendation does the study offer for the future?
The authors recommend proactive educational initiatives, such as awareness sessions and university programs, to guide young people in using technology efficiently without losing their capacity for respectful, face-to-face interaction.
- Citation du texte
- Prof Dr Eddie Fisher (Auteur), Yorkys Santana Gonzalez (Auteur), 2014, How Young People Communicate. A Cuban Perspective, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/283236
