ABSTRACT
The personal use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) at work and school are blurring the boundaries of work and life within this digital age. This chapter examines student perspectives on ICT use and personal relationships. Undergraduate students at a large North American University created a series of artistic and textual descriptions to explore their personal views on ICTs and their relationships. The chapter examines responses from 63 participants to the question, “How does the use of ICTs affect my approach to relationships?” The data analysis revealed that students found ICTs to be incredibly useful in helping them, stay in touch with family and friends across large geographical distances, as well as communicating with professors and other students in their class. The chapter highlights the paradoxical nature of technology within the context of personal relationships. A number of positive and negative aspects of ICT influence on relationships are identified. The chapter provides insight into the powerful influence of ICTs on student relationships and online behavior both within and beyond the university walls.
