Example communications dissertation topic 6:

‘The more we interact, the less we speak’? A survey of personal communication patterns.

Utilising the theoretical academic arguments that underpin discussions relating to how the internet and email have/or have not ‘killed’ letter writing ( x, y and z, 2001), this dissertation is observes daily interactions amongst a group of twenty second year undergraduates studying at the University of Reading. Asking each to keep a diary of interactions with regard to the planning and establishment of social events, this dissertation seeks to further the hypothesis that ‘text’ has replaced ‘speech’ as the dominant means by which social interactions are planned and executed. This is a dissertation that, accordingly, combines the use of communication devices and techniques with aspects of sociology and anthropology and would be particularly suited to a student undertaking combined honours.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Crabtree, J., Nathan, M. and Roberts, S. (2003). Mobile UK: Mobile phones and everyday life. London: The Work Foundation.
• Höflich, J. and Gebhardt, J. (2005). ‘Changing cultures of written communication: Letter — E-mail — SMS’, The Inside Text, Vol. 4(1), pp. 9-31.
• Tse, A.Y-H. (2012). ‘Impacts of short message service texting on university students in Malaysia’, Asian Social Science, Vol. 8(1), pp. 107-110.