Social Media Culture and Changing Patterns of Family Communication Among Urban Youth: A Qualitative Exploration of Intergenerational Relationships Authors

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of social media culture on patterns of family communication among urban youth and focuses on intergenerational communication. The research took a qualitative, exploratory approach in line with the principles of Media Ecology Theory, which aimed to capture the lived experiences and interpretations of youths in the context of digital communication within their families. The participants were 15 urban youth aged 18 to 25 who were purposively sampled and engaged in semi-structured interviews, and reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The results identified five themes: social media as a double-edged sword in family bonding, a shift toward texting over face-to-face communication, generational differences in digital skills and expectations, continued negotiation of privacy and parental monitoring, and new ways of being close through content and family group chats. The findings indicate that social media is not an end to traditional family communication, but rather a reconstruction of the context in which family communication takes place, creating relational tension and new opportunities for family communication. The study provides practical suggestions for families who want to find a balance between digital and face-to-face interaction, and for educators and policymakers developing digital literacy programs to meet intergenerational communication challenges.