The influence of modern digital technology on family relationships

Vpetost sodobne digitalne tehnologije v vsakdanje življenje in organizacijo družinskih potekov postaja samoumevna in neizogibna. Vzdrževanje medsebojnih odnosov v sodobnem času poteka drugače kot v preteklosti. Na drugačen način komunikacije in vzdrževanje odnosov med družinskimi člani vplivajo dostopnost, raznovrstnost in razširjenost sodobne digitalne tehnologije. Diplomsko delo zajema pregled nad tem, kakšen odnos imajo družinski člani do sodobne digitalne tehnologije in ali njena uporaba vpliva na medsebojne odnose v družini. Teoretični del naloge opredeljuje pojem družine, medsebojnih odnosov v družini in sodobne digitalne tehnologije. V nadaljevanju je opravljen pregled dosedanjih raziskav na področju sodobne digitalne tehnologije in njenega vpliva na družino ter medsebojne odnose v družini. Empirični del vsebuje analizo in ugotovitve opravljenih polstrukturiranih intervjujev s starši in otroci glede uporabe in vpliva sodobne digitalne tehnologije na medsebojne odnose v družini. Rezultati raziskave kažejo, da je sodobna tehnologija močno prisotna v družinah. Starši in otroci se zavedajo »dvoreznega meča« sodobne digitalne tehnologije, saj je njen vpliv lahko pozitiven ali negativen, kar je odvisno predvsem od namena in pogostosti uporabe. V uporabi tehnologije za komunikacijo z družinskimi člani intervjuvanci vidijo njeno pomembnost in uporabnost. Zmerna in razumna uporaba sodobne digitalne tehnologije je ključ do pozitivnega vpliva na medsebojne odnose v družini.The integration of modern digital technology into everyday life and the organization of family routines is becoming self-evident and inevitable. Maintaining interpersonal relations in modern times is different from the past. The accessibility, diversity and ubiquity of modern digital technology have a different impact on the way family members communicate and maintain their relationships. The thesis provides an overview of the attitudes of family members towards modern digital technology and whether its use has an impact on family relationships. The theoretical part of thesis defines the concept of family, family relationships and modern digital technology. It then reviews existing research on modern digital technology and its impact on the family and family relations. The empirical contains the analysis and findings of the semi-structured interviews conducted with parents and children regarding the use and impact of modern digital technology on family relationships. The results show that modern technology is strongly present in the families. Parents and children are aware of the “double-edged sword” of modern digital technology, as its impact can be positive or negative, depending mainly on the purpose and frequency of its use. Interviewees see the use of technology to communicate with family members as important and useful. The moderate and reasonable use of modern technology is the key to a positive impact on family relationships