By Stephanie Aud
Walk into any restaurant, and you’ll likely see a familiar scene: families sitting together, yet apart, as each person dives into their digital world. Parents might be scrolling through their Facebook feeds while their children are engrossed in the newest viral TikTok. In an era dominated by digital technology, social media has become a central platform for communication, significantly altering family relationships. While it holds the potential to enhance connectivity, bringing distant relatives closer and sharing moments instantly, its pervasive influence also raises concerns about its impact on family cohesion. Children are not just communicating with friends online; they are increasingly exposed to broader cultural and social influences at a tender age, introducing many challenges for families to navigate.
image source: ChatGPT
The Distraction Conundrum
One of social media’s most visible impacts is how it diverts attention away from real-time interactions (Caprì et al., 2019). Family gatherings that might once have been times for conversation and connection are often overshadowed by the latest TikTok trends. This shift can erode the quality of personal interactions, which are essential for emotional bonding and support. As family members scroll through feeds and updates, the opportunity for meaningful exchanges dwindles, leaving relationships feeling less fulfilling (Caprì et al., 2019).
Anxiety in the Age of FOMO
For preteens already struggling with FOMO, social media amplifies their anxiety (Topino et al., 2023). This anxiety is spurred by incessant updates from peers showcasing their curated, highlight-reel lives, leading family members, especially teens, to question their own experiences and achievements. The constant comparison can amplify feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction, disrupting the family dynamic and impacting individual self-esteem and mental health. Teens who use social media excessively are more likely to suffer from depression and more prone to self-harm behaviors as well (Topino et al., 2023).
Strategies for Digital Boundaries
Given these challenges, families need to develop strategies to mitigate the harmful effects of social media (Hill et al., 2016). Delaying social media access until children are older, such as 16 or 17, allows them to develop a firmer sense of self and maturity before they navigate the complex social dynamics online. Implementing ‘no-phone’ zones during family meals or outings can encourage more meaningful interactions and help members be fully present (Hill et al., 2016). It’s equally important for adults to take the lead in modeling balanced social media habits, demonstrating to children that while digital tools are powerful for staying connected, they should not replace personal interactions. Parents can lead by example by regularly disconnecting from devices and focusing entirely on family time. This practice sets a positive precedent for children and strengthens the family unit, ensuring that members feel valued and heard. Encouraging open discussions about social media content and its impact equips children with the critical thinking skills to navigate digital spaces responsibly. It makes them feel included in decision-making (Hill et al., 2016).
Embracing the Best of Both Worlds
Navigating the digital world thoughtfully allows families to harness the benefits of social media while mitigating its pitfalls. By setting intentional boundaries and fostering an environment of open communication, families can enjoy the connectivity that social media provides without letting it undermine their core relationships (Hill et al., 2016). As we forge paths in this interconnected world, striking the right balance between online engagement and personal intimacy will be vital to maintaining strong, supportive family bonds in the digital age. We encourage you to start implementing these strategies today and see the positive impact they can have on your family life.
References:
Caprì, T., Gugliandolo, M. C., Iannizzotto, G., Nucita, A., & Fabio, R. A. (2019). The influence of media usage on family functioning. Current Psychology, 40(6), 2644–2653. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-019-00204-1
Hill, D. L., Ameenuddin, N., Chassiakos, Y. R., Cross, C., Radesky, J., Hutchinson, J., Levine, A., Boyd, R., Mendelson, R. A., Moreno, M. A., Swanson, W. S., & Mbe. (2016). Media use in School-Aged Children and Adolescents. Pediatrics, 138(5). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-2592
Topino, E., Gori, A., Jimeno, M. V., Ortega, B., & Cacioppo, M. (2023). The relationship between social media addiction, fear of missing out and family functioning: a structural equation mediation model. BMC Psychology, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-023-01409-7
The digital world has been around us for a while now. Research has revealed that social media can provide opportunities to boost the mental health of social media users by facilitating social connections and peer support (Zsila & Eric, 2023). As you mentioned in your blog, we can see the impact of the digital world on our societies. When I grew up, I was fortunate enough to grow up in a world where smart phones came along when I was around the age of 10 so anything before that included socializing with others and doing activities that did not involve technology. I grew up with my parents yelling at me to come home after playing outdoors all day while my cousins are growing up attached to a screen where they have become too anxious to interact with their peers.
I also liked how you mentioned in your blog that there needs boundaries set in place to make sure we are not losing ourselves to the digital world. I have always said that, although it is inevitable that in the future when I have kids they will be around technology, I will try my best to make sure there is a balance and they get to experience the childhood I experienced where everyone would be outside playing with toys, playing soccer or basketball, etc.
Zsila, Á., & Eric, M. (2023). Pros & cons: Impacts of Social Media on Mental Health. BMC Psychology, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-023-01243-x