Written by Sarya Gulec
Families have an undeniable effect on children’s development and socialization. In today’s world, the internet and digital technologies impacted all aspects of life, including family structure. The percentage of the world population who use the internet has quadrupled from %16 in 2005 to %67 in 2023(2). This article examines recent sociological studies on how communication technologies reshape family life and its implications for social bonds, parenting, and the transmission of values between generations.
Changing Communication Patterns
The transformation in the communication of family members is the most visible effect of digitalization on family structure. Traditionally, family interactions occurred face-to-face, fostering strong interpersonal connections. However, digital communication tools such as social media, instant messaging, and video calls replaced face-to-face interaction. Although these digital interactions allow families to stay connected despite long distances, they also alter the quality and depth of these interactions. Some studies show that communicating more frequently due to digital tools decreases the quality of face-to-face interactions, possibly weakening the bond between family members.
Digital communication has now made it easier to bridge geographical divides. This is especially crucial in global migration and rising mobility, as virtual connections can make up for the physical absence of extended family members. However, this constant connectivity has led to new forms of “presence” within the household, where family members, though physically close, may be absorbed in individual digital activities, reducing meaningful in-person engagement(2).
Redefining Family Roles and Parenting
The broad use of technology has changed the definition of family roles, especially in parenting. Parents nowadays are tasked with their children’s digital activity, educational content, entertainment purposes, and online safety. Moreover, with digitalization, children have greater autonomy and access to enormous amounts of information. Younger generations, often referred to as digital natives, are growing up with a higher level of digital fluency that surpasses their parents’. This gap causes power shifts within the family as the parents struggle to keep up. Since older generations face challenges in understanding and managing the digital world their children inhabit, these shifts in knowledge can lead to intergenerational tensions.
Impact on Intergenerational Relationships
The digital division between generations creates both challenges and opportunities for family cohesion. Older family members, who may be less adept with digital tools, can feel isolated from the tech-driven world of their children or grandchildren, but at the same time, shared digital activities such as playing video games together or sharing photos on social media can offer new ways of bonding, despite the generational learning curve.
The Shift in Family Structure
Digitalization has also contributed to the diversification of family structures. The rise of non-traditional family units, such as cohabiting partners, single-parent households, and blended families, has been supported by digital platforms that facilitate alternative ways of connecting and managing family life. For instance, co-parenting apps allow divorced or separated parents to coordinate child-rearing more effectively, while social media helps extended families stay connected despite physical distances(1).
Moreover, the traditional hierarchy within families is evolving. With access to information and communication tools, younger family members can assert more independence and influence within the household. This has implications for value transmission, as children are increasingly exposed to diverse perspectives online, which may differ from the values of their parents or guardians(2). The flattening of family hierarchies, combined with greater digital literacy among youth, has led to a more egalitarian family dynamic in some cases, where traditional authority structures are being challenged and redefined.
Conclusion
The effect of digitalization on family structure is multifaceted, reshaping how families communicate, interact, and function. While digital tools have brought families closer by making communication easier, they have also introduced new challenges, such as reduced face-to-face engagement and intergenerational tensions. Parenting in the digital age requires adapting to new technologies while managing the risks associated with children’s increased autonomy. Ultimately, the future of family life will continue to evolve as digitalization advances, influencing both traditional and non-traditional family structures. Understanding these changes is crucial for fostering strong family bonds in an increasingly digital world.
References:
Elsayed, W. (2024, April 15). Building a better society: The Vital role of Family's social values in creating a culture of giving in young Children's minds. ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024052393
Qian, Y., & Hu, Y. (2024, March 18). The digitalization of family life: A multilevel conceptual framework. Wiley Online Library. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jomf.12983
Ruiz, K. R., Sanchez, L. E., Plata, J. P., Giraldo, S. V., Cardona, M. A., Avendano, C. H., Arias, A. V., & Piedrahita, L. B. (2017, March 8). Information and Communication Technologies Impact on Family Relationship. ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877042817300071
Comments