Family Communication in the Digital Era: Parent-Child Interaction Patterns in Building Family Harmony
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59141/jiss.v7i9.2575Keywords:
family communication, parent-child interaction, digital technology, family harmonyAbstract
Family disharmony is often associated with ineffective communication, and this issue has become increasingly complex with the widespread use of digital technology, particularly mobile devices, which may reduce direct interaction among family members. This article examines the importance of family communication, analyzes parent-child interaction patterns, and identifies the challenges posed by digital technology in fostering healthy family relationships. Using a narrative literature review with thematic synthesis, the study integrates evidence from various sources concerning family communication processes. The findings indicate that technoference is associated with increased conflict, weaker family cohesion, and problematic media use, whereas intentional co-use and family-oriented communication can support trust and connectedness. The synthesis identifies several key practices for strengthening family harmony in the digital era, including open communication, negotiated boundaries, protected periods of undivided attention, active parental mediation, parental modeling, and relational repair. The article concludes that digital technology does not inherently determine family harmony; rather, its effects depend on whether it supports shared family purposes or displaces responsive interpersonal attention. Families may therefore benefit from relationally informed digital practices that position technology as a supportive tool within family relationships rather than as a competing presence.
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