IMPLICATIONS OF DOMESTICATED MODERN MEDIA TECHNOLOGIES ON FAMILY COHESION IN PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Today, we are part of the world which is fully equipped with a variety of modern media technologies that have great impact for our lives. Modern media technologies have changed the world with new tools of communication especially; internet has revolutionized the world by introducing most efficient ways of communication and interaction such as video calling and live chatting with social networking apps. Moreover, television, video games cellular networks and print media also have enchanted the human life. With these implications media technologies have also affected the lives in family set up. Families are magnificently furnished with all types of tools and equipment of modern media technologies. These technologies are not only used for communication and entertainment but also they have changed the level of cohesion, intimacy and interaction among family members in the household. The present study has examined the relationship between modern media technologies being used in the family and extent of social cohesion among individuals. The research focused on exploring the ways by which the modern media technologies are playing a vital role in everyday lives of the families in the modern age. The study was conducted through the use of triangulation method of research that provides both qualitative and quantitative data. A sample of 600 hundred respondents was investigated from three Districts of the Punjab i.e. Faisalabad, Multan and Rawalpindi. Moreover, 06 focus groups were also conducted from the same Districts. Data were collected through a well-structured interview schedule and focus group discussion guide. Collected information was analyzed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings obtained from collected data show that modern media technologies are immersed into the household and negatively affecting the family cohesion within household through decreasing intensity and duration of interaction among family members.