Date of Graduation
Summer 8-19-2016
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Organization and Leadership (O&L)
College/School
School of Education
Department/Program
Education
First Advisor
Danfeng Koon
Second Advisor
Genevieve Negron-Gonzales
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of what motivated college students—the Unplugged Students—to intentionally use their cell phones less and how they understood the impact that unplugging had on their interpersonal relationships and college experience. Nine undergraduate college students from four private schools were interviewed in one-on-one semi- structured interviews. These students, considered non-users, provided a particularly useful perspective as these students made a conscious choice to counteract social norms and experienced both being plugged in and unplugged. Cell phones and the act of unplugging proved to make up a complex and more nuanced topic than expected. Emerged from the research were themes that brought to light the personal and external factors that motivated students to unplug, unveiling the opportunity for families, schools, and public figures to educate students. The study also includes the student perspective about the complexities of relationships in the digital age, the major role of social media, opposing views on the impact of unplugging on community spaces, and students’ shared vision for the future.
Recommended Citation
Felipe, Jadelin P., "UNDERSTANDING HOW INTENTIONALLY UNPLUGGING FROM CELL PHONES SHAPES INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS AND THE UNDERGRADUATE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE" (2016). Master's Theses. 187.
https://repository.usfca.edu/thes/187
Included in
Civic and Community Engagement Commons, Communication Technology and New Media Commons, Critical and Cultural Studies Commons, Educational Leadership Commons, Educational Psychology Commons, Educational Sociology Commons, Higher Education Commons, Higher Education and Teaching Commons, Interpersonal and Small Group Communication Commons, Mass Communication Commons, Other Communication Commons, Other Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons, Other Sociology Commons, Quantitative, Qualitative, Comparative, and Historical Methodologies Commons, School Psychology Commons, Science and Technology Studies Commons, Social and Cultural Anthropology Commons, Social Influence and Political Communication Commons, Social Media Commons, Social Psychology Commons, Sociology of Culture Commons, Student Counseling and Personnel Services Commons
