Digital Disruption in Family Life: An Analysis of the Impact of Gadget Use on the Quality of Family Communication

Furqan; Maemunah; Sarmalina Rieuwpassa; Wilda Putri Festiyanti

doi:10.59890/ijsss.v3i6.153

Authors

Furqan Universitas Muhammadiyah Mamuju
Maemunah Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar
Sarmalina Rieuwpassa Universitas Pattimura
Wilda Putri Festiyanti STIKES Ibnu Sina Ajibarang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59890/ijsss.v3i6.153

Keywords:

Digital Disruption, Family Communication, Gadget Use, Digital Parenting, Communication Quality

Abstract

The phenomenon of digital disruption has brought significant changes to the dynamics of modern family life, particularly through the increasingly intensive use of gadgets in daily activities. This study aims to analyze the impact of gadget use on the quality of family communication, by examining how face-to-face interaction, emotional closeness, and interpersonal communication patterns are affected by the presence of digital devices. Through a literature review and empirical analysis of various findings from previous studies, this study identifies three main patterns of influence: first, excessive gadget use tends to reduce the frequency and depth of direct conversations between family members; second, the emergence of technoference or technological interference that interrupts communication flow, thereby reducing emotional responsiveness and warmth of interaction; and third, gadgets can also be a positive means of strengthening communication if used purposefully, for example through coordination of daily activities, maintenance of long-distance relationships, or utilization of digital platforms for family activities. The results of the analysis show that the impact of gadgets is ambivalent, depending on the intensity, context, and quality of use. Although gadgets have the potential to reduce the quality of traditional communication, good digital management strategies such as establishing family tech rules, improving parents' digital literacy, and creating gadget-free communication spaces can minimize risks and strengthen family harmony. This study makes an important contribution to the literature on family communication in the digital age, while offering practical recommendations for families and educators on how to optimize the use of technology in line with the goal of strengthening interpersonal relationships

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