The relationship between technology use and nonverbal sensitivity at different age

Abstract

The use of electronic technology has increased over past several generations as technology has both improved and become more widely available. Exposure to technology during childhood may impact interaction-based learning and limit the child's opportunity to develop nonverbal communication skills. In this study, 152 participants were asked to recall their technology use at previous age points as well as their current technology use. Participants also completed a measure of nonverbal sensitivity. Elementary school age technology use and current social media use were significant mediators in that younger participants used more technology in childhood and social media which, in turn, negatively predicted nonverbal sensitivity. These findings suggest that technology use in childhood and social media use may have an unfavorable effect on one's nonverbal sensitivity.