Intra-family communication in the internet age: a study on influencers and digital polarization

This article examines the impact of digital technology on intra-family communication, with a special focus on the role of influencers and the resulting digital polarization within families. Through semi-structured interviews conducted with 22 social media influencers-who possess high digital awareness-and a comprehensive review of the relevant literature, the study explores how excessive and, in some cases, unregulated social media use can weaken face-to-face interactions, increase feelings of isolation, and foster generational value discrepancies. The findings reveal that while social media tends to negatively affect family bonds by reducing direct communication and parental supervision, conscious and well-regulated usage may mitigate these adverse effects and even strengthen family ties. The study underscores the importance of digital literacy and parental guidance in ensuring that the potential benefits of digital media are harnessed while its risks are minimized.