Dependência tecnológica e habilidades sociais em jovens universitários

Abstract

Technological dependency is defined by the compulsive use of electronic devices, leading to significant disruptions in essential life domains, such as interpersonal relationships, academic or work performance, and physical health. Excessive technology use can hinder the development of social skills, as in-person interactions are increasingly replaced by virtual ones. This study aimed to explore the relationship between technological dependency and social skills among university students, focusing on the patterns of technology use and evaluating their social competencies. The sample consisted of 40 students from the Centro Universitário do Pará (Cesupa). Data collection involved a questionnaire, the Internet Addiction Test (used to measure technological dependency), and the Social Skills Inventory 2 (IHS 2). A quantitative analysis was conducted to assess statistical differences across groups. The findings revealed a correlation between technological dependency and social skills among the students, indicating that excessive technology use negatively impacts daily activities and social interactions due to deficiencies in essential social skills.