How do new technologies affect family communication?
The Center for Sociological Research (CIS) conducted an opinion study in March 2016 on the use and influence of the internet, mobile phones, and social networks in the lives of Spaniards and their families, finding that 68% of Spaniards believed that new technologies damaged communication between parents and children as a result of less time being spent on other family activities (CIS, 2016).
The advancements and integration of ICTs into everyday family life have gained prominence in the field of research. Numerous studies have focused on analyzing how families are affected when they interact through these technologies , as well as understanding the types of uses families make of these tools and how they influence the evolution of family relationships. In a literature review conducted by Carvalho, Francisco, and Relvas (2015), forty-five studies examining the relationship between ICTs and family functioning were analyzed, yielding mixed results.
On the one hand, some studies report that ICTs tend to increase the time families spend together and strengthen family bonds, improving communication and increasing intimacy among members. This would be the case, for example, when parents and children share online activities or use ICTs to manage daily tasks, as well as in families where parents feel that working from home allows them to dedicate more time to their families.
Characteristics of family communication in adolescence
Similarly, they have also had a positive impact on transnational families by allowing the maintenance and (re)creation of family ties, despite geographical distance, and on effective co-parenting relationships after divorce, facilitating joint planning and decision-making for parents regarding their children.
However, despite the positive aspects mentioned, the integration of ICTs into daily life has also brought about new difficulties within families . Other studies indicate that the particular use of patterns such as multi-communication (communication with several people at once) and the constant availability—reflected, for example, in the abundance of friends connected on social networks and the amount of information shared worldwide—can lead to situations where families lose control over interactions that occur in virtual environments.
Furthermore, research focused on the use of new technologies highlights several consequences, including reduced time spent with family, an increase in intergenerational conflicts, and some obstacles to parenting. Another problem that ICTs can pose to family relationships is the disconnect between verbal and non-verbal communication, the resulting misunderstandings, and the isolation of family members within the same home, preventing them from establishing personal connections.
New challenges in communication between parents and teenagers
A study conducted by Mesch (2006) concluded that the more frequently young people used the internet, the lower their perceived quality of their relationships with their parents. However, this negative relationship was not due to the frequency of internet use itself, but rather to another variable: the type of online activity.
Thus, the use of the internet by adolescents for social purposes (e.g., playing online games, communicating with friends, and participating in discussion groups) was found to be positively associated with family conflicts, while the use of the internet for learning or school-related purposes (such as searching for information) was not associated with the variables of family conflicts, family time, and family cohesion.
Warren and Aloia (2018) also highlighted the importance of how parents and adolescents use these technologies as a predictor of relational impact. Thus, when mobile devices were used for relational purposes (e.g., expressing support, managing conflicts), they were predictive of feelings of closeness, while more functional or instrumental uses (e.g., coordinating schedules, sharing content) did not predict family closeness.
Another factor to consider, which can impact family dynamics between parents and teenagers, is that in the digital age, not all parents possess the necessary digital skills to educate and/or supervise their children in this area. This sometimes leaves them without a role model regarding ICT, as these devices emerged too late in their lives. Consequently, young people's technological proficiency tends to widen the digital divide between generations and undermines parental authority, leading them to question the rules and values they try to instill.
Some tips and recommendations
Our children are what are called "digital natives" (Prensky, 2001), since they have been born into a society in which the use of technology is present in their daily lives and they will require digital skills to manage themselves correctly in their academic and professional lives.
As parents, it's advisable to stay informed and seek out resources that can help guide and educate our children in discovering and using ICT. Below are some tips to keep in mind:
- Don't deny the use of ICT, but limit it . It's advisable to agree on clear rules regarding the use of mobile phones, tablets, and other devices: where and when they can be used, and to set a time limit. You can also agree on "screen-free" times and provide examples of what you ask them to do, putting aside ICT and engaging in other activities.
- Leverage their interest in ICT to help them reflect on its use. Ask them questions about themselves and the responsible use of ICT, as well as the advantages and risks involved. ICT allows them to provide a great deal of information about themselves and relate to others based on the image they project, so teenagers should be able to reflect on the possible consequences of exposing their private lives on social media, what photos they post and why, whether they are constantly checking for comments or "likes" from their friends and what happens when they don't get them, what online behaviors could cause them problems or even constitute a crime (distance often creates a false sense of anonymity and impunity, but it can also generate a feeling of helplessness against cyberbullying ), etc.
- Identifying potential problems. Sometimes, technology can be used as a refuge to avoid situations that cause anxiety or discomfort in teenagers (for example, meeting new people or talking face-to-face with a friend about a conflict). It's necessary to help them develop social skills beyond social media and encourage them to participate in other activities with their friends. And, as mentioned earlier, we must be receptive and available so they can explain any problems or difficulties to us.
This is an original article from the Escola de Salut of the Sant Joan de Déu Hospital Barcelona , from the 12th FAROS Report "A look at the mental health of adolescents - Keys to understanding and supporting them".
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