¿Technological autism in college students? the case of Santa Elena Province, Ecuador

Abstract

This study consisted in visualizing autism´s reference parameters as pattern of behavior and isolation of young people in Santa Elena in their academic and social activities, compared to a reliance on digital mobile devices, which has trapped a contemporary society. The study is of interest to all stakeholders that are related to them are their parents, relatives, friends, classmates and teachers, in order to take actions that allow their reintegration into society or in some cases instructing students in the proper use of digital mobile devices. The article consisted of fieldwork, surveys and interviews to students, as well as interviews to professionals involved in the areas of technology and educational psychology. Among the results, it was known that 74% of students surveyed denote some kind of uneasiness at not having a digital mobile device. 73% of students, indicates that they use at least one or two times their cellphones while they converse personally. Interviews to students illustrate that some prefer to talk virtually than in person with their friends or family. These results allow us to infer that there is dependence and social isolation behaviors in students since through the use of mobile devices they see a way of communication instead of doing it personally, and also we cannot speak of technological autism, since it has not been proven in scientific or medical field.