Social Networks and the Social Interaction in Family Relationships among Zimbabweans: A Survey on the Perceptions of Residents in Harare and Mashonaland West Provinces of Zimbabwe

Abstract

Electronic communication is clearly becoming a reliable and chosen form of communication in the 21st century. The goal of this study was to determine how Zimbabweans perceive how the use of electronic communication, specifically text-based electronic communication, including e-mail, instant messaging, text messaging, and the social media networks Whatsapp, Twitter and Facebook, impacts on interpersonal relationship. To answer the research question, a descriptive survey design was opted for. Using the convenience sampling technique, a Survey Questions Interview Guide with both open ended and closed ended questions was distributed via the participants’ email. Of the 30 interview questionnaires distributed, only 20 responded. Thus the findings from this study are constructed from the views of 20 (n=20) participants. The results of this study showed that, when used correctly, user perception is that electronic communication positively impacts on interpersonal relationships. Since the sampling size of this study was small the researcher recommends a longer survey that is offered to more participants because it would offer more data about the perceptions of electronic communication and its impact on relationships.