December 18, 2009
12/18: Technology’s Impact on Relationships
While cell phones, the Internet, mobile devices and other high-tech gadgets have made it possible to reach out to people in new and exciting ways, the majority of U.S. residents say technology makes no difference in their personal relationships. 56% of people nationally say technology neither worsens nor improves their personal ties.
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However, 38% say it makes their personal relationships better while 6% say it makes them worse. Here, there has been a slight change since Marist’s previous poll. In June, 30% reported that technology improves their personal relationships.
As one might expect, age plays a role when it comes to this subject. Younger people are more likely to say technology makes an impact – and a positive one at that. Among U.S. residents under 45 years old, 47% say technology improves their relationships, 7% think it hurts them, and 46% believe it makes no difference. Among residents 45 and older, 33% say technology improves their relationships, 5% report it makes them worse, and 63% say it has no impact.
Table: Technology/Personal Relationships
Technology and Jobs
While results are mixed when it comes to technology and social life, residents are overwhelmingly grateful for their computers, mobile devices and other gadgets in the workplace. 82% of employed U.S. residents say technology makes their jobs at work better, 1% report it makes their jobs worse, and 17% don’t think it makes a difference. Compared with Marist’s June survey on the subject, more Americans believe technology makes their work life better.
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