Effects of Social Media on Family Communication trends and relations: A Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53983/ijmds.v15n02.006Keywords:
family communication, social media, family, relationships, adolescents, digital communication, family dynamicsAbstract
The growing popularity of the use of social media in the daily existence has radically changed the communication patterns in families. The digital platforms are seen as omnipresent channels of communication ensuring that the relatives will stay in touch and share information regardless of the distance on the space scale. This paper aims to provide a synthesis of the existing literature on the impact of social media on the communication process within families and the relations within them. A literature review was conducted, including twenty-one empirical studies that were published between 2017 and 2026, and each of which investigated the position of social media in the processes of interaction in families, the quality of relationships, and the communicative practices. The literature that has been consulted proves that social media has both positive and negative impacts on family communication. On the one hand, it makes it easier to communicate with family members frequently, emotionally and to connect the generations, on the other hand, too much interaction may reduce the face-to-face communication, increase the use of digital communication and cause misunderstandings or conflicts in the family circle. Further evidence indicates that factors like parental perception, generational differences, and the digital literacy moderate the effect of social media on interpersonal relationships in the family. Overall, the review emphasizes the importance of responsible and moderate use of social media along with parental concerns and education in maintaining a healthy and high-quality communication and relationships in families during the digital age.
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