Impact of Digital Communication Technology on Personalization, Perception and Usage of Space

This study intends to consider human behaviors in interior spaces and the possible effect digital gadgets might have on such behaviors. Human behavior in interior spaces is not a new area of study. Various researchers in the field of human behavior such as Irwin Altman and Edward T. Hall assert that humans generally exhibit certain behaviors in interior environments. These behaviors have been identified as follows: territoriality, privacy, crowding, personal space and personalization of space. These behaviors are exhibited by people as a means of a means of regulating interactions with others and also as a way of exercising conrol over what they feel belongs to them. Digital technology is a phenomenon of this present era which has permeated virtually all aspects of human life. Computers and cell phones are popular forms of this type of technology and their importance has arisen over the years due to the fact that they are able to transmit voices and information at record speeds. These new media technologies have been so inserted into man’s daily existence that they have become an intricate part of human existence today (Church et al, 2010). The use of cell phones and computers is causing great changes in many aspects of human life today. This effect is seen in reduced social relationships between people and even between people and the environment. It is not uncommon to see young people so engrossed in their cell phones that they become oblivious to what is happening around them. This clearly suggests that digital technology is gradually occupying the larger part of the average young person’s life, time and is affecting their relationships with other people and even with their immediate environment. The aim of this research is to examine if digital communication gadgets are having any effect on human relationships with and in spatial environments. Specific attention is given to perception of space, personalization of space and privacy. The Nigerian students of Eastern Mediterranean University who reside in dormitories on campus are used for case study. Data is obtained using three methods: surveys (questionnaires), interviews and personal observations and subsequently analyzed and evaluated with descriptive statistics and qualitative description. This study has various implications for society and these are discussed at the conclusion of the thesis. Several recommendations for further study have also been proffered. Keywords: Spatial Environments, Space Personalization, Perception of Space, Privacy, Digital Communication Technology