An experimental examination of the computer’s time displacement effects

Abstract

Past research has presented mixed results in regards to the time displacement effects of the computer. In this field experiment, subjects were asked to give up using the computer (except for school work) for one day. The amount of time shift within each traditional medium between the normal day and the non-computer day was examined. The results showed that giving up computer use did not increase time allotted to other media. In addition, no differences in time shifts existed between light and heavy users. Overall, this study provides no support for the claim that using computers takes away time from using traditional media.