Social media, texting, and personality: A test of the shallowing hypothesis
According to a 2012 study, around 79% of users of smartphones have downloaded social networking applications. This data reflects the prevalence of smartphones in the Modern Age, and how they may have long-term negative consequences for society. Technology critic Nicholas Carr conceptualised The Shallowing Hypothesis, which he defines in his book The Shallows as “the frequent use of ultra-brief social media promotes rapid and relatively shallow thought and is associated with cognitive and moral shallowness. In other words, frequent usage of this type of media will be associated with a decline in the use of reflective thought, a decrease in the importance placed on life …show more content…
There was a high number of correlations at p<0.1, which were identified as significant. The majority of the hypotheses were supported, only 1 of them was not supported. Overall, the results of the study supported Carr’s Shallowing Hypothesis; Individuals who frequently used social media were found to have more superficial life goals than goals related to morality. Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between extraversion and frequency of texting, as well as a positive correlation between extraversion and social media usage. Both of these support findings of the previous studies. In conclusion, the results of this study should encourage psychologists to make more attempts at investigating the effects of The Shallowing Hypothesis and its potential implications. However, there are limitations to the study as well. Firstly, correlation does not equal causation, it is difficult to separate the variables as they are “cross-sectional and non-experimental” (Annisette and Lafrenier 157). It is difficult to determine whether or not the consequences in The Shallowing Hypothesis are significant or not. A better design of the study, such as using longitudinal study and a less gynocentric sample would have increased the validity and
According to a 2012 study, around 79% of users of smartphones have downloaded social networking applications. This data reflects the prevalence of smartphones in the Modern Age, and how they may have long-term negative consequences for society. Technology critic Nicholas Carr conceptualised The Shallowing Hypothesis, which he defines in his book The Shallows as “the frequent use of ultra-brief social media promotes rapid and relatively shallow thought and is associated with cognitive and moral shallowness. In other words, frequent usage of this type of media will be associated with a decline in the use of reflective thought, a decrease in the importance placed on life …show more content…
There was a high number of correlations at p<0.1, which were identified as significant. The majority of the hypotheses were supported, only 1 of them was not supported. Overall, the results of the study supported Carr’s Shallowing Hypothesis; Individuals who frequently used social media were found to have more superficial life goals than goals related to morality. Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between extraversion and frequency of texting, as well as a positive correlation between extraversion and social media usage. Both of these support findings of the previous studies. In conclusion, the results of this study should encourage psychologists to make more attempts at investigating the effects of The Shallowing Hypothesis and its potential implications. However, there are limitations to the study as well. Firstly, correlation does not equal causation, it is difficult to separate the variables as they are “cross-sectional and non-experimental” (Annisette and Lafrenier 157). It is difficult to determine whether or not the consequences in The Shallowing Hypothesis are significant or not. A better design of the study, such as using longitudinal study and a less gynocentric sample would have increased the validity and