Cellular Telephones and Social Interactions: Evidence of Interpersonal Surveillance

Steven E. Stern and Benjamin E. Grounds
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Steven E. Stern: University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, USA
Benjamin E. Grounds: Penn State College of Medicine, USA

International Journal of Technoethics (IJT), 2011, vol. 2, issue 1, 43-49

Abstract: Changes in technology often affect patterns of social interaction. In the current study, the authors examined how cellular telephones have made it possible for members of romantically involved couples to keep track of each other. The authors surveyed 69 undergraduates on their use of cellular telephones as well as their relationships and their level of sexual jealously. Results find that nearly a quarter of romantically involved cellular telephone users report tracking their significant other, and evidence shows that tracking behavior correlates with jealousy. Furthermore, participants frequently reported using countermeasures such as turning off their cellular telephones in order to avoid being tracked by others. In conclusion, newer communication technologies afford users to act upon protectiveness and jealousy more readily than before these technologies were available to the general public.

Date: 2011
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