Cultural Continuity and Disruption: Social Media’s Role in Intergenerational Value Transmission
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51903/zj9eeb02Keywords:
Social Media, Intergenerational Value Transmission, Cultural Continuity, Digital Disruption, Family CommunicationAbstract
This research explores the dual function of social media as both a tool for cultural continuity and a source of disruption in cross-generational value transmission in contemporary families. Taking a mixed-methods approach, data were gathered from 60 participants across 15–20 multigenerational city families consisting of youth (18–25), parents (40–60), and older adults (61+). Quantitative data indicate broad generational differences in social media use: teens use an average of 5.6 hours per day, primarily to establish identity and peer networks, parents use an average of 3.8 hours for family communication and information, and older adults use an average of 2.1 hours, valuing emotional connection. ANOVA tests found significant value internalization differences across generations (F(2,147) = 6.82, p < 0.01), while regression analysis found that social media intensity predicts higher value conflict (β = 0.41, p < 0.001, R² = 0.27).Qualitative interviews faced blended impacts: social media facilitates co-learning and affective connection but exacerbates value tensions over privacy, lifestyle, and autonomy. The article concludes by confirming that the family remains the strongest cultural filter, and the requisite of good digital literacy and intergenerational communication skills is essential to mitigate disruption. The research is theoretically relevant by synthesizing sociotechnical and social constructionist accounts and practically relevant for family education and policy-making.
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