Effects of facebook interactions on familial relationship and tie-strength: a case of american family communication

Abstract

This study seeks to determine if Americans parents and adult children’s Facebook interactions positively influence the familial relationship, and if such interactions increase or help maintain their tie-strengths. An online survey was conducted with 150 American samples living inside and outside the U.S. The data analyses yield that a majority had an equal distribution of the role in the communication (sender/receiver), had a shallow degree of interaction, used semi-formal speech, and had balanced interactions, indicating similar effort is put in by both parties. Unexpectedly, the samples are not using Facebook to communicate with their family members as much as anticipated. Only the degree of interaction had significant effect on both the familial relationship and the tie-strength, the balance of the interaction was only significant to tie-strength, while role and tone of interaction had no insignificant impact on both familial relationship and tie strength. Future research should focus on other rising digital platforms, communication practices of more specific types of families and how a family's culture and morals influence how they communicate.