Date of Award

1-1-2014

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Specialization

Communication and Leadership

School or Department

School of Leadership Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Carolyn Cunningham

Second Advisor

Dr. Kristina Morehouse

Abstract

This project provides a look at educational studies, theories, and principles to help people understand the enhancing and diminishing characteristics of contemporary communication technologies. The project uses the theoretical framework of media ecology to show that through an understanding of today’s media environments, society can better grasp just how media technology has been, and continues to be, an influential part of everyday life. The primary feature of the project is a comprehensive website – titled Surviving the Digital Age (http://melandd.wix.com/survivingdigitalage) – which also serves as a way to show how media plays an enormous role in shaping who we are and how we function as a society. This site walks through the history of past communication technologies, the impact they have had on society, living in the current digital age, and the impact smartphones have on our face-to-face interactions. Additionally, the website provides videos, suggested reading resources, and a pamphlet to demonstrate how technology is an influential part of everyday life. Through the tools provided by the Surviving the Digital Age website, this project aims to raise media literacy awareness in order to aid people in maintaining healthy face-to-face interpersonal relationships with the presence of today’s new smartphone communication technologies.

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