Introduction

5.45 billion people

—but what
does this mean
for
our social
relationships?
Objective:-
We will delve into the
effects of technology
on:
 Family Dynamics
 Friendships
 Romantic
Relationships

Also,
Discuss the rise of social media
and the paradox of social
isolation in the digital age.
how social media platforms are designed to
capture attention and influence social
interactions, often at the expense of real-world
relationships.
 Historical Context

Cave paintings Phoenician Printing press Telephone and Internet , social

and symbols alphabets Telegraph media &modern
gadgets
Symbolic Interactionism: Shaping
Meanings Online
• George Herbert Mead: "Man lives in a world of meaning."
Online interactions create unique social meanings.
Use of:

Emojis
Memes Stickers
Symbolic Interactionism

Online Funerals
Impacts of technology
on family dynamics
• Positive Impacts of Smartphones on Family
Communication:
Ø A study by Ofcom found that 60% of families with
members living apart (e.g., extended family, parents
traveling for work) reported that smartphones and video
calls help them stay connected and maintain close
relationships .
• Reduced Face-to-Face Interactions:
 study by Common Sense Media found that 59% of
parents feel that their family members are distracted by
their smartphones during family gatherings or meals.
 46% of people reported experiencing "phubbing"
• Impact on Parental Relationships and Authority:
 A survey by Deloitte revealed that 53% of parents feel
they have lost control over their children's screen time,
resulting in weakened parental authority.
Phubbing(phone snubbing)
• refers to the act of ignoring or snubbing
someone in favor of using a mobile phone or
other digital devices during social
interactions.
• Impact of Phubbing on Family Cohesion-
o Decreased Quality of Communication
o Reduced Face-to-Face Interaction: Limited
presence
o Decline in Social Skills like lack of active
listening
o Increased Conflict and Tension-Phubbing can
lead to arguments, particularly when it comes
to setting boundaries around technology use
o Children's social development: Phubbing can
impair children's social development
Digital Communication & Family
Dynamics: A Sociological Perspective
1. Changes in Communication Patterns:
 More frequent but shallow interactions via messaging and social media.
 Emotional distance as face-to-face conversations decline.
 Asynchronous communication replaces immediate family interaction.
2. Impact on Family Cohesion:
 Increased individualism, as family members engage in personal digital
worlds.
 Decline in shared family rituals, replaced by screen time.
3. Shifts in Traditional Family Roles:
 Parental authority reduced as children gain more autonomy with
technology.
 Blurring of work-family boundaries due to remote work tools and
constant connectivity.
 Generational divides in tech usage, creating gaps in family
communication. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC
 • Gradual increment in online friends than offline
Social Media “real life” friends.

and • This trends is driven by social media platforms,

online gaming especially during COVID-19
Friendships pendemic (2020-21)
Online friend: Blackmails a
student
• KOLKATA: A 16-year-old girl, student, was befriended
by a young man through social media and started
chatting and video call
• As time passed, the girl believed that their friendship
was long distance relationship
• In 2020, the accused finally trapped the girl and lured
her into disrobing over a WhatsApp video call and
captured nude picture of victim.
• Later he start blackmailing the minor.
• Finally, girl told her family, and her school counsellors
asked her to approach the police.
• Police registered a case under POCSO act and accused
was arrested and the mobile used to commit the crime
has been seized.
Romantic
Relationships,
Technology, and
Social Isolation

The Impact of Digital Dating and

Connectivity Paradox

 Digital dating apps like Tinder and Bumble have

transformed how people form relationships,
offering convenience and choice.
 However, while these platforms increase
connectivity.
 they often contribute to emotional
disconnection, leading to a paradox of greater
loneliness in an always-connected world.
The Rise of
Dating Apps
 Traditionally, romantic partners met through face-to-face
interactions, whether at work, through friends, or at social
events. However, dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, Hinge,
and OKCupid have revolutionized the landscape of romantic
relationships.
 In some countries, around 30% of couples now meet online.
 This evolution offers several benefits, including the ability
to meet people outside of one’s immediate circle,
convenience, and a level of control over the dating
experience.
 Dating apps enable users to filter potential partners by age,
location, and interests, enhancing customization. However,
this convenience can create a "paradox of choice"
overwhelming users and complicating commitment, often
resulting in relationship dissatisfaction.
 Fluid Relationships in the Digital Age

Giddens’  Anthony Giddens’ theory of intimacy suggests that modern relationships prioritize
Theory of emotional satisfaction and mutual benefits over traditional long-term commitments.
 The rise of dating apps like Tinder emphasizes instant gratification and "swipe
Intimacy culture," leading to superficial connections focused on physical appearance and
transient interactions.
 As a result, relationships often lack the emotional depth necessary for stability,
fostering fluid dynamics.
 Additionally, while digital communication tools such as texting and video calls are
essential for maintaining long-distance relationships, they can hinder true intimacy
by lacking the nuances of face-to-face interactions, such as body language and tone.
The Paradox of
Choice
 In the digital dating landscape, customization has become a key
feature, allowing users to filter potential partners by age,
location, and interests.
 However, this abundance of choices can lead to dissatisfaction,
as highlighted by Barry Schwartz's concept of the "paradox of
choice."
 When faced with too many options, individuals often struggle to
commit to one relationship, resulting in indecision and
frustration.
 While dating apps offer personalized experiences, they can also
create challenges in decision-making, leading users to feel
overwhelmed and less satisfied with their romantic outcomes.
 The complexity of choice may ultimately hinder genuine
connections.
 The Paradox of
Connectivity and
Isolation

 In today's digital age, increased engagement

through dating apps and social media has led
to a paradox of connectivity and isolation.
While these platforms offer opportunities for
interaction, they are often linked to
heightened feelings of loneliness and anxiety.
 Superficial online relationships may lack the
emotional depth necessary for meaningful
connections, leaving users feeling unfulfilled.
Furthermore, social media promotes idealized
self-presentations, which can trigger feelings
of inadequacy and alienation among users.
This dissonance reveals the challenge of
maintaining authentic relationships in a world
where the illusion of connection often
overshadows true emotional intimacy.
Social divides
• Access to technology and digital literacy can deepen
existing social divides :
• social exclusion
• Age and Generational Gaps
• Geographic disparities
• Rural - urban divide
 social exclusion
• Information Access: Digital literacy enables
individuals to access important information,
including health resources, government
services, and community support. Lack
of access can lead to misinformation
or ignorance of available resources.
• Community Engagement: Technology
facilitates social connections and
community involvement. Those who are
less digitally literate may feel isolated
and disengaged from societal discourse.
Generational
Divides
• Technology Proficiency: Younger
generations often have greater
access to technology and are
more adept at using it, which can
create a divide with older
generations who may struggle
with digital tools .
• Cultural Implications: This
generational gap can lead to
differing values, communication
styles, and expectations regarding
technology and its role in society.
Geographic disparities
Areas with limited infrastructure, such as
remote or underserved regions, may have
limited or no access to digital technologies,
hindering economic development and
social mobility.

Rural-urban divide
Rural areas often have limited or no access
to high-speed internet, making it difficult
for residents to participate in the digital
economy, access healthcare services, or
engage in online education. This further
widens the gap between urban and rural
communities
Is digital communication a supplement to or a
replacement for face-to-face interactions?
potential of emerging technologies
to further transform social
relationships
AI tools:Language translation • VR Social Spaces: Virtual
apps and virtual assistants reality can create immersive
helps in the break down of environments where people
language barriers. can interact as if they were
AI Chatbots: can provide physically together,
support and companionship for enhancing the sense of
individuals. presence and connection
AI Sentiment Analysis: AI can • VR can simulate real-life
help analyze emotional cues in interactions, reducing the
conversations, enhancing emotional distance often felt
emotional intelligence and in traditional online
awareness in interactions. communication.
Conclusion
• Transformation of Communication: Technology has shifted how we interact, making
communication faster and more convenient but often reducing the depth of face-to-face
conversations.
• Blending Virtual and Real: While online platforms have expanded our social networks, they
often blend virtual interactions with real-life relationships, impacting the quality and
authenticity of connections.
• Mixed Effects on Relationships: Technology strengthens bonds by keeping people connected
despite physical distances, but it can also weaken intimate connections by encouraging surface-
level interactions.
• Societal Implications: The digital divide and disparities in access to technology can
exacerbate social inequalities, impacting how different communities experience social
connections.
• Future Trends: Emerging technologies like AI and VR will further alter social dynamics,
creating new opportunities and challenges for meaningful interactions.
• Critical Balance: The key to positive social outcomes lies in balancing the use of technology
with genuine, face-to-face interactions to maintain meaningful relationships in an increasingly
digital world.
Thank you

Q&A