Date of Award

Spring 5-15-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Liberal Arts

Department

English & World Languages

College

College of Arts & Humanities

Committee Chair

Dr. Rebecca Garvin

Second Committee Member

Dr. Donna White

Third Committee Member

Dr. Bill Morelan

Program Director

Dr. Deborah Wilson

Dean of Graduate College

Dr. Jeff Robertson

Abstract

The rapid emergence of social media has the potential to negatively affect young people moving into the job market. In this paper, I examine whether there has been a loss of communication and soft skills, interpersonal skills, and how this has an impact on workforce readiness. Numerous studies have explored the social interactions and the effects technology has had on human behavior. Based on the insights from sociologists, psychologists, educators, and researchers, it appears that interpersonal skills (soft skills) are critical to being successful in the workforce. Research indicates that social media can hamper verbal communication in young people. Additionally, in a technology-driven world, the need for interpersonal conversation is a necessary element in the development of self-reflection and personal relationships, and the success of the young people depends on the ability to communicate both nonverbally and verbally in a variety of environments. All of these are important interpersonal skills that employers desire, but which young people may fail to develop if they are preoccupied with social media at the expense of interpersonal conversation.

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