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.
Recommended Citation
Sampley, Barbara, "The Loss of Spoken Word" (2018). Theses and Dissertations from 2018. 9.
https://orc.library.atu.edu/etds_2018/9