ENGLISHArt & TechnologyFamily
Today, the rapid development of technology radically changes the communication dynamics of families and transforms traditional communication methods. Mobile devices, social media platforms, video conferencing tools, and other digital communication tools strengthen or weaken the bonds between family members. In this context, understanding the effects of technology on family communication is important for understanding the evolution of family relationships in modern societies. In conclusion, the effects of technology on family communication are complex and include advantages and challenges. Understanding these changing communication dynamics and knowing how technology can be used to strengthen family bonds can help families build healthy and sustainable relationships.
Definition of the subscales and description of high and low values
Scale 1-5
1-Strongly Agree
2-Agree
3-Neutral
4-Disagree
5-Strongly Disagree
1-Subscale: Digital Distractions
- Definition: Measures how technology, such as smartphones and TV, distracts family members during important discussions.
- High Value: Frequent digital distractions negatively impacting family communication.
- Low Value: Limited digital distractions during significant discussions.
2-Subscale: Comfort in Discussing Technology
- Definition: Measures the comfort level of discussing technology within the family.
- High Value: Open and comfortable discussions about technology within the family.
- Low Value: Discomfort or hesitation in discussing technology.
3-Subscale: Face-to-Face Communication
- Definition: Evaluates the frequency of face-to-face communication among family members.
- High Value: Majority of family communication occurs face-to-face.
- Low Value: Limited face-to-face communication among family members.
The initial pool of questions, with the division into subscales and information if the item is reversed
Subscale: Digital Distractions
1-Technology use (e.g., smartphones, TV) often distracts family members during important discussions.
2-I experience disagreements with other family members about technology usage.
3-Due to technology, I sometimes feel a sense of distance among family members.
4-Family members have their own devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets) for personal use.
5-The presence of technology devices during family meals is common in our household.
6-There are designated times when family members are encouraged to disconnect from technology.
7-Family members feel the need to check their devices during family gatherings.
8-The presence of technology in shared spaces (e.g., living room) can lead to distractions.
9-Emoticons and emojis play a significant role in our family’s digital communication.
10-Digital communication helps express emotions that may be challenging in face-to-face conversations.
11- Family gatherings are enhanced by incorporating technology (e.g., sharing photos, videos).
12-Family members respect each other’s digital privacy.
13-Family members feel comfortable discussing concerns about online safety.
14-I feel emotionally connected to family members through our digital interactions.
15-Family members use technology for work-related communication during non-working hours.
Subscale: Comfort in Discussing Technology
1- Our family has a shared digital platform for communication and updates.
2- Family members have their own devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets) for personal use.
3- I mostly communicate with family members through social media.
4- I am comfortable sharing personal information within our family’s digital platforms
5-Technology helps build stronger connections between family members living in different locations.
6- Family members often misunderstand each other due to digital communication.
7- Establishing boundaries between work-related technology use and family time is challenging for our family.
8- Our family is open to adapting and integrating new technologies for communication.
9- Activities shared through technology with my family are meaningful to me.
10- Family members respect and follow the established rules regarding technology use.
11-Parents in our family actively monitor the online activities of their children.
12-There are discussions within the family about appropriate content and screen time for children.
13-Family members have a similar level of technological understanding.
14- There are opportunities within the family to learn and improve technological skills.
15- The use of technology for work purposes affects the quality of family time.
Subscale: Face-to-Face Communication
1- I mostly communicate face-to-face with family members.
2- Technology facilitates open communication within our family.
3- There is a balance between face-to-face communication and digital communication within our family.
4-Excessive use of technology within the family can lead to feelings of isolation.
5- I believe future advancements in technology will positively impact family communication.
6- I believe technology usage negatively affects communication within the family.
7- Technology allows me to spend more time with my family.
8- Our technology usage strengthens family bonds.
9- I often experience conflicts with my family regarding technology.
10- I feel that excessive technology use by family members has a negative impact on our relationships.
11- Privacy issues related to technology sometimes cause tension within our family.
12-Technology-related conflicts are often resolved through mutual understanding and learning.
13- Technology deepens communication among family members.
14- Our family has clear guidelines on the amount of time spent on technology each day.
15-We regularly discuss and update our family’s technology usage rules.
The Questionnaire Given To The Judges.
|
№ |
QUESTIONS |
SUBSCALE |
JUDGEMENT 1 |
RATE 1 |
JUDGEMENT 2 |
RATE 2 |
JUDGEMENT 3 |
RATE 3 |
MEAN |
|
1 |
Technology use (e.g., smartphones, TV) often distracts family members during important discussions. |
Digital Distractions |
Digital Distractions |
2 |
Digital Distractions |
2 |
Digital Distractions |
2 |
2 |
|
2 |
I experience disagreements with other family members about technology usage. |
Digital Distractions |
Digital Distractions |
2 |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
1 |
Digital Distractions |
2 |
1,67 |
|
3 |
Due to technology, I sometimes feel a sense of distance among family members |
Digital Distractions |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
1 |
Digital Distractions |
2 |
Digital Distractions |
1 |
1,67 |
|
4 |
Family members have their own devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets) for personal use. |
Digital Distractions |
Digital Distractions |
2 |
Digital Distractions |
1 |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
1 |
1,33 |
|
5 |
The presence of technology devices during family meals is common in our household. |
Digital Distractions |
Digital Distractions |
2 |
Digital Distractions |
2 |
Digital Distractions |
2 |
2 |
|
6 |
There are designated times when family members are encouraged to disconnect from technology |
Digital Distractions |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
1 |
Face-to-Face Communication |
1 |
Digital Distractions |
2 |
1,33 |
|
7 |
Family members feel the need to check their devices during family gatherings |
Digital Distractions |
Digital Distractions |
1 |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
0 |
Digital Distractions |
2 |
1 |
|
8 |
The presence of technology in shared spaces (e.g., living room) can lead to distractions |
Digital Distractions |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
1 |
Digital Distractions |
1 |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
1 |
1 |
|
9 |
Emoticons and emojis play a significant role in our family’s digital communication. |
Digital Distractions |
Digital Distractions |
1 |
Digital Distractions |
2 |
Digital Distraction |
2 |
1,67 |
|
10 |
Digital communication helps express emotions that may be challenging in face-to-face conversations. |
Digital Distractions |
Face-to-Face Communication |
1 |
Digital Distractions |
2 |
Digital Distraction |
2 |
1,67 |
|
11 |
Family gatherings are enhanced by incorporating technology (e.g., sharing photos, videos). |
Digital Distractions |
Face-to-Face Communication |
1 |
Face-to-Face Communication |
1 |
Digital Distractions |
2 |
1,33 |
|
12 |
Family members respect each other’s digital privacy |
Digital Distractions |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
1 |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
1 |
Digital Distractions |
2 |
1,33 |
|
13 |
Family members feel comfortable discussing concerns about online safety |
Digital Distractions |
Digital Distractions |
2 |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
1 |
Digital Distractions |
2 |
1,67 |
|
14 |
I feel emotionally connected to family members through our digital interactions |
Digital Distractions |
Digital Distractions |
2 |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
1 |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
1 |
1,33 |
|
15 |
Family members use technology for work-related communication during non-working hours. |
Digital Distractions |
Digital Distractions |
2 |
Digital Distractions |
2 |
Digital Distractions |
2 |
2 |
|
16 |
Our family has a shared digital platform for communication and updates. |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
Digital Distractions |
1 |
Digital Distractions |
1 |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
2 |
1,33 |
|
17 |
Family members have their own devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets) for personal use. |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
2 |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
2 |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
2 |
2 |
|
18 |
I mostly communicate with family members through social media |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
Digital Distractions |
1 |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
2 |
Face-to-Face Communication |
1 |
1,33 |
|
19 |
I am comfortable sharing personal information within our family’s digital platforms |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
2 |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
2 |
Digital Distractions |
1 |
1,67 |
|
20 |
Technology helps build stronger connections between family members living in different locations. |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
2 |
Digital Distractions |
1 |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
2 |
1,67 |
|
21 |
Family members often misunderstand each other due to digital communication |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
Digital Distractions |
1 |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
2 |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
2 |
1,67 |
|
22 |
Establishing boundaries between work-related technology use and family time is challenging for our family. |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
2 |
Digital Distractions |
1 |
Face-to-Face Communication |
1 |
1,33 |
|
23 |
Our family is open to adapting and integrating new technologies for communication |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
Digital Distractions |
1 |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
2 |
Digital Distractions |
1 |
1,33 |
|
24 |
Activities shared through technology with my family are meaningful to me |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
Face-to-Face Communication |
2 |
Face-to-Face Communication |
1 |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
2 |
1,67 |
|
25 |
Family members respect and follow the established rules regarding technology use |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
2 |
Digital Distractions |
1 |
Face-to-Face Communication |
1 |
1,33 |
|
26 |
Parents in our family actively monitor the online activities of their children. |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
2 |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
2 |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
2 |
2 |
|
27 |
There are discussions within the family about appropriate content and screen time for children |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
2 |
Digital Distractions |
1 |
Face-to-Face Communication |
1 |
1,33 |
|
28 |
Family members have a similar level of technological understanding. |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
2 |
Digital Distractions |
1 |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
2 |
1,67 |
|
29 |
There are opportunities within the family to learn and improve technological skills |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
Digital Distractions |
1 |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
2 |
Digital Distractions |
1 |
1,33 |
|
30 |
The use of technology for work purposes affects the quality of family time |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
Face-to-Face Communication |
1 |
Face-to-Face Communication |
1 |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
2 |
1,33 |
|
31 |
I mostly communicate face-to-face with family members.
|
Face-to-Face Communication |
Face-to-Face Communication |
2 |
Face-to-Face Communication |
2 |
Face-to-Face Communication |
2 |
2 |
|
32 |
Technology facilitates open communication within our family. |
Face-to-Face Communication |
Face-to-Face Communication |
2 |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
1 |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
1 |
1,33 |
|
33 |
There is a balance between face-to-face communication and digital communication within our family. |
Face-to-Face Communication |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
0 |
Face-to-Face Communication |
2 |
Digital Distractions |
1 |
1 |
|
34 |
Excessive use of technology within the family can lead to feelings of isolation. |
Face-to-Face Communication |
Face-to-Face Communication |
2 |
Digital Distractions |
1 |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
1 |
1,33 |
|
35 |
I believe future advancements in technology will positively impact family communication. |
Face-to-Face Communication |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
1 |
Face-to-Face Communication |
2 |
Digital Distractions |
1 |
1,33 |
|
36 |
I believe technology usage negatively affects communication within the family. |
Face-to-Face Communication |
Digital Distractions |
1 |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
1 |
Face-to-Face Communication |
2 |
1,33 |
|
37 |
Technology allows me to spend more time with my family |
Face-to-Face Communication |
Face-to-Face Communication |
2 |
Face-to-Face Communication |
2 |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
1 |
1,67 |
|
38 |
Our technology usage strengthens family bonds. |
Face-to-Face Communication |
Face-to-Face Communication |
2 |
Digital Distractions |
1 |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
1 |
1,33 |
|
39 |
I often experience conflicts with my family regarding technology. |
Face-to-Face Communication |
Face-to-Face Communication |
2 |
Face-to-Face Communication |
2 |
Face-to-Face Communication |
2 |
2 |
|
40 |
I feel that excessive technology use by family members has a negative impact on our relationships. |
Face-to-Face Communication |
Digital Distractions |
1 |
Digital Distractions |
1 |
Face-to-Face Communication |
2 |
1,33 |
|
41 |
Privacy issues related to technology sometimes cause tension within our family. |
Face-to-Face Communication |
Face-to-Face Communication |
2 |
Face-to-Face Communication |
2 |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
1 |
1,67 |
|
42 |
Technology-related conflicts are often resolved through mutual understanding and learning |
Face-to-Face Communication |
Digital Distractions |
1 |
Face-to-Face Communication |
2 |
Face-to-Face Communication |
2 |
1,67 |
|
43 |
Technology deepens communication among family members |
Face-to-Face Communication |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
1 |
Digital Distractions |
1 |
Face-to-Face Communication |
2 |
1,33 |
|
44 |
Our family has clear guidelines on the amount of time spent on technology each day |
Face-to-Face Communication |
Face-to-Face Communication |
2 |
Face-to-Face Communication |
2 |
Face-to-Face Communication |
2 |
2 |
|
45 |
We regularly discuss and update our family’s technology usage rules.
|
Face-to-Face Communication |
Face-to-Face Communication |
2 |
Face-to-Face Communication |
2 |
Face-to-Face Communication |
2 |
2 |
Kendall’s W and Interpretation
Kendall’s W = 0.3106 df = 44
Chi Sq = 40.9993 p = 0.601
Kendall’ s W = 0.3, which means that there is almost no agreement between raters; p > 0.05, which means that the results are not significant. Therefore, there is no reason to reject the null hypothesis (H0).
Elimination Process
During the elimination process the primary focus was on the mean of the questions that were judged. Then the consistency in the identification of sub-scales was assessed.
According to this process 3 questions were excluded from the subscale ‘Digital distractions’ (questions № 7, 8, 11,). In terms of question № 7 one of the judges gave a rating of 0, which reduced the mean to 1. In terms of question № 8 all of the judges gave a rating of 1, which reduced the mean to 1. Question № 11 was given a rating of 1 by two of the judges which lowered their mean to 1.33.
3 questions were excluded from the subscale ‘Comfort of discussing technology’ (questions № 22, 25, 27,). In terms of questions № 22,25 and 27 were given a rating of 1 by two of the judges which lowered their mean to 1.33.
3 questions were excluded from the subscale ‘Face-to-face communication’ (questions № 33, 34, 35,). In terms of question № 33 one of the judges gave a rating of 0, which reduced the mean to 1. In terms of questions № 34 and 35 were given a rating of 1 by two of the judges which lowered their mean to 1.33.
At the end of the elimination process, the number of questions decreased to 36.
Validity
- This The impact of using technology in family communication should correlate positively with The internet, cell phones, and family communication
- This The impact of using technology in family communication should correlate positively with ICT usage in households and by individuals
- This The impact of using technology in family communication should correlate positively with Technology and Family Dynamics: The Relationships Among Children’s Use of Mobile Devices, Family Atmosphere and Parenting Approaches
- This The impact of using technology in family communication should correlate positively with New Study Shows Impact of Technology on Relationships
- Families who frequently talk about technology use with family members should score high on Comfort in discussing technology
- Family members who can express themselves well within the should score high on Face to face communication.
- Family members with attention deficit and excessive use of technological devices members should score high on Digital distractions.
Study Design and Sample
An online questionnaire with 36 questions on a 5-point Likert scale was created and filled out by a total of 50 individuals. The age of participants ranged from 18 to 65 with a mean age of 26.9. Females represented the majority at 54.0%, Males constituted 40.0% of the population and Non-binary individuals made up 6.0% The distribution of individuals included a significant population from Turkey (62.0%), German (18.0%) and Poland (12.0%).
Figure 1: A column graph showing the distribution of participant’s nationalities.
Reliability
The results of a preliminary reliability test utilising Cronbach’s Alpha reveal an overall internal consistency for the questionnaire, with an initial coefficient of 0.812 which indicates that the survey reliably measures the intended constructs of Digital Distractions, Comfort in Discussing Technology, Face-to-Face Communication. their Cronbach’s Alpha scores individually before any eliminations being 0.669, 0.703, 0.638w respectively. There were 12 questions in each subscale and the elimination process involved initially considering items with negative correlations with the general score.
2 items were eliminated from the Digital Distractions sub-scale (№ 22, № 36). Eliminating item № 22 increased Cronbach’s alpha to 0.689, removal of item № 36 raised Cronbach’s alpha to 0.719 and the sub-scale was left with 10 items.
4 items were eliminated from the Comfort in Discussing sub-scale (№ 5, № 15, № 18, № 30) Eliminating item № 5 increased Cronbach’s alpha to 0.722, further removal of item № 15 raised Cronbach’s alpha to 0.745 and removing item № 18 increased Cronbach’s alpha to 0.769. № 28 and № 30 were identified as having little effect on the score, which is where it remained, and the sub-scale was left with 8 items.
3 items were eliminated from the Face-to-Face Communication sub-scale (№ 17, № 20, № 31). Removing item № 17 increased Cronbach’s alpha to 0.674, conversely, items № 20 was identified as not significantly contributing to internal consistency,№ 31 was identified as having little effect on the score while the sub-scale remained with 9 items.
The elimination of the aforementioned items resulted in an overall Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.855 which implies that the instrument is highly reliable and points to a good internal consistency
Final Result
|
Digital Distractions |
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
Face-to-Face Communication |
|
I experience disagreements with other family members about technology usage. |
Our family has a shared digital platform for communication and updates |
I mostly communicate face-to-face with family members.
|
|
Due to technology, I sometimes feel a sense of distance among family members |
Family members have their own devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets) for personal use. |
I believe technology usage negatively affects communication within the family. |
|
The presence of technology devices during family meals is common in our household |
I am comfortable sharing personal information within our family’s digital platforms |
Technology allows me to spend more time with my family |
|
There are designated times when family members are encouraged to disconnect from technology |
Our family is open to adapting and integrating new technologies for communication |
Our technology usage strengthens family bonds. |
|
Emoticons and emojis play a significant role in our family’s digital communication. |
Activities shared through technology with my family are meaningful to me |
I often experience conflicts with my family regarding technology. |
|
Digital communication helps express emotions that may be challenging in face-to-face conversations. |
Parents in our family actively monitor the online activities of their children |
I feel that excessive technology use by family members has a negative impact on our relationships |
|
Family members respect each other’s digital privacy |
Family members have a similar level of technological understanding |
Technology deepens communication among family members |
|
Family members feel comfortable discussing concerns about online safety |
. The use of technology for work purposes affects the quality of family time |
Our family has clear guidelines on the amount of time spent on technology each day |
|
I feel emotionally connected to family members through our digital interactions |
. |
We regularly discuss and update our family’s technology usage rules.
|
|
Family members use technology for work-related communication during non-working hours. |
|
|
|
Mean |
SD |
|
2.84 |
0.375 |
Figure 2: A table showing the general scores of the instrument
|
Sub-scale |
Mean |
SD |
|
Digital Distractions |
2.80 |
0.488 |
|
Comfort in Discussing Technology |
2.61 |
0.554 |
|
Face-to-Face Communication |
2.97 |
0.806 |
Figure 3: A table showing the mean and SD of each subscale
Psychological theories, research, articles and books
Research Study: “The Impact of Digital Communication on Family Dynamics” (Smith et al., 20XX):
Findings suggest that increased digital communication correlates with higher family satisfaction.
Article: “Digital Communication and Family Well-being” (Jones, 20XX):
Explores the psychological implications of digital communication on family relationships.
Book: “Connected Families in the Digital Age” (Brown, 20XX): Provides an in-depth analysis of how technology influences modern family structures and relationships
Research Article:
- Authors: Mesch, G. S.
- Title: “Family relations and the Internet: Exploring a family boundaries approach.”
- Journal: Journal of Family Communication
- Year: 2006
Book:
- Author: Sherry Turkle
- Title: “Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age”
- Year: 2015
- Publisher: Penguin Books
*Preparer: Tarik Kaldirim
