Abstract
Does constant connectivity have an impact on the development of social
skills? If so, how? Child development is defined as the physical,
mental, social, and emotional development of an individual throughout
the life span (University of Washington Department of Education, n.d.).
Individuals whose constant connectivity influences behaviors will be
compared and contrasted to the development continuum. Using a
combination of past literature, observation (anecdotal evidence),
deductive and inductive reasoning, along with verbatim translation of
the participants’ words to the interview questions; the authors will
explore the impact of digital connectivity on the normative development
continuum.
Seven individuals were interviewed before data saturation occurred. The
participants were recruited via a convenience sample accessed using
internet recruitment. In addition to demographic data, interview
questions focused on a range of topics including interpersonal
relationships, vacation, work, sleep, and entertainment. All of the
participants spent more than five hours a day accessing the internet for
non-work-related activity.
Responses confirmed that constant connectivity was ubiquitous in the
participants’ daily lives and influenced their daily activities. Some
participants were more affected by their connectivity than others. The
participants in this qualitative study would be considered fully
developed adults. The influence constant connectivity had on these
adults’ daily lives infers that children, with less developed mental
faculties, will be affected to an even greater extent.