Technoference: How Digital Media May Interfere with Family Interactions

Digital media are ubiquitous in everyday life. However, excessive or poorly regulated digital media use can harm interpersonal relationships. The extent to which technology use interferes with the quality of interpersonal relationships was defined as technoference. This chapter presents novel findings on how technoference can impact personal interactions, especially parent-child interactions. The current review suggests that technoference can harm parent-child interactions in the context of family relationships, a previously unexplored aspect. The findings also showed that technoference was associated with adverse effects on parental relationships. We identified interesting data and reflections regarding technoference in interpersonal relationships, providing a fresh perspective. Additional possibilities were raised for research by identifying concerns, especially in the family dynamic, which may help develop future interventions.