The Impact of Digital Media on Daily Rhythms: Intrapersonal Diversification and Interpersonal Differentiation

Authors

  • Yixin Zhou School of Journalism and Communication, Nanjing University, China Center for Communication Research, Department of Media and Communication, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  • Jonathan J. H. Zhu Center for Communication Research, Department of Media and Communication, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Keywords:

media effect, temporal rhythm, daily activities, sequence analysis, digital media, temporality

Abstract

Digital media are popularly regarded as one of the central identifiers of postmodern life. However, systematic examinations that address how digital media and their development affect lives and contribute to social change are lacking. To address this issue, we used two national representative samples from 2000 and 2015 (comprising 5,375 and 4,134 people, respectively). We constructed a sequence of daily activity rhythms based on diary surveys and assessed the influence of computer and mobile phone accessibility and use. The results showed that (1) digital media increased intrapersonal diversification and interpersonal differentiation across the years although variations existed regarding media modalities, media accessibility and usage, and time frame; (2) computers had a stronger effect than mobile phones; and (3) actual media use time had a direct influence on the allocation of daily activities. These findings reveal a media effect on daily activity rhythms, a form of what this study calls “postmodern transformation.”

Author Biographies

Yixin Zhou, School of Journalism and Communication, Nanjing University, China Center for Communication Research, Department of Media and Communication, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Yixin Zhou is an assistant research felllow at School of Journalism and Communication, Nanjing University, China. She is also a member of Center for Communication Research, Department of Media and Communication, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

Jonathan J. H. Zhu, Center for Communication Research, Department of Media and Communication, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Jonathan J. H. Zhu is a chair professor at School of Data Science, and the director of Centre for Communication Research, City University of Hong Kong.

Downloads

Additional Files

Published

2022-10-14

Issue

Section

Articles