The Influence of Technology on Creating and Maintaining Long Distance Connections and Relationships

Indianapolis, IN

Now, more than ever, our world is increasingly becoming smaller. Technology provides opportunities for people to maintain long distance relationships. Facebook, Skype, Facetime, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn have allowed people to participate in conversations, create and maintain meaningful relationships with friends, significant others, family and develop networking opportunities. The purpose of this study is to examine how people integrate these technologies to sustain the previously mentioned relationships. Specifically, how often are these technologies used for the purpose of maintaining relationships? Are some technologies preferred over others for relationship maintenance? Does the technology affect the intimacy of the content of communication?