This document discusses social engagement and the impact of technology. It defines social engagement as participation in social groups and interactions. It also outlines how technology, like mobile phones and computers, enables new forms of social engagement through online forums and platforms. However, the document also notes that technology can negatively impact traditional social interactions and relationships if overused, as it can replace face-to-face communication and weaken cultural practices. It concludes that communities should promote controlled technology use to avoid degrading social engagement and interactions.

1. SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT
AND TECHNOLOGY
Bonaventura N. Muhindi
Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences – 19.11.2015

2. SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT
• Prohaska et al (2012) defined social
engagement as one's participation in the
activities of a social group.
• Also, Avison et al (2007) decribed it as "the
extent to which an individual participates in a
broad range of social roles and relationships."
• In addition, Zhang, J. et all described it as "the
commitment of a member to stay in the group
and interact with other members".

3. TECHNOLOGY
• Technology is a Greek word for "science of
craft", "art, skill”) is the collection of
techniques, skills, methods and processes
used in the production of goods or services.
• In addition, technology can be the
knowledge of techniques, processes, etc. or it
can be embedded in machines, computers,
devices and factories, which can be operated
by individuals.

4. MEASUREMENT OF SOCIAL
ENGAGEMENT
• A traditional form of social engagement, such
as church going, which is measured by the
number of one's visits to the church,
participating in social events – weddings,
funerals etc.
• In the modern setting, social engagement
involves active participation in discussion
forums e.g., facebook, whatsapp, ikamva etc
which is measured by the number of posts
made.

5. COMMUNICATION TOOLS IN THE
MODERN TECHNOLOGY WORLD
• These include:-
1. Mobile phones
2. Music devices – ipods
3. Computers/internet
4. Video games
5. Television

6. IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON
HUMANS' SOCIAL INTERACTION
• Face to face communication with friends,
relatives and other community members has
been an important existing human connection
tool for many years.
• Today, technology is transforming modern
society interaction and daily life in various
ways.

7. TECHNOLOGICAL IMPACT ON
DIFFERENT GROUPS
Families:-
• There’s less interaction in families as members
are busy on the television, facebook,
PlayStations, Twitter, Skype etc

8. TECHNOLOGICAL IMPACT contd...
Working places:-
• Workmates are busy chatting using their
mobile phones, computer etc
• Workmates do not know each other very well.
• The most interraction is through social
platforms during shift breaks, rather than face
to face talks

9. TECHNOLOGICAL IMPACT contd...
Schools/colleges:-
• The strong relationship that existed between a
student and a teacher/lecturer is no more
there since curricula are found on websites
• Some students prefer to use the internet or
library and not the lecturer e.g., Solawal
(2010) reported that 85% of students were
using social media, effectivelly.
• Face-to-face discussions between lecturers
and students are very minimal, due online
platforms like ikamva, OUTLeMS etc

10. TECHNOLOGICAL IMPACT contd...
Hospitals:-
• The existence of telemedicine enables
clinicians in country (hospital) to conduct
operations with assistance to others in a
different country (hospital)
• Also, operation procedural training can be
performed using telemedicine

11. TECHNOLOGICAL PRONS
• It is good for new experiences
• Easy to meet new people in platforms
• Easy and fast for interaction among
communities
• It minimizes costs for travelling from one
country/neighbourhood to another
• Maintain long-distance friendships
• Sharing of information is fast

12. TECHNOLOGICAL CONS
• Separates people from “reality world”
• It hinders face to face communication
• The quality of social interaction that human
beings need eventually deteriorates
• Mental illnesses due to isolation, stress etc.
• Weakens prevalence of cultural practices –
storytelling, funeral
• Reduces social involvement

13. TECHNOLOGICAL CONS contd….
• Higher levels of technologies will create high
levels of unemployment – creating social
stress in communities
• High worldwide social interaction among
humans but of low quality because of no
physical contact
• When some people see violence, sex, and all
manner of lasciviousness on television, or
internet they may be prone to mimic the
behavior and think that it is acceptable

14. CONCLUSION
• According to Siphiwe (2012), in the next 10 years,
internet and mobile technology will destroy the
quality of human social interactions.
• Technology in most societies is important only if
it is used properly, and not used to replace
existing social norms and values which promotes
socialization.
• In addition, communities should engage in
controlled technology especially the internet
communication and television/radio broadcasting