International Peer-Reviewed JournalOpen AccessISSN 2456-8880
irejournals@gmail.com+91-7433024337

Home / Current Issue / Paper 1716054

1716054 Vol 9 · Issue 10 Download Paper

The Impact of Digital Technology on Social Relationships and Community Dynamics in Contemporary Society

Dr. Monika Sharma

Subject area: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities  ·  Area of research: Sociology

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I10-1716054

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of digital technology on social relationships and community dynamics in contemporary society. This study aims to explore how digital tools affect communication patterns, emotional intimacy, social support networks, community participation, identity formation, and collective action. Employing a mixed-methods approach, it combines surveys and in-depth interviews to analyze social relationships, along with qualitative case studies with participant observation and content analysis to examine community dynamics. The sample encompassed diverse age groups and social backgrounds to ensure comprehensive insights. The findings reveal that digital technology increases the frequency of social contact and enables more diverse social networks while concurrently reducing face-to-face interactions and weakening emotional closeness. Emotional support is perceived variably, with enhancement on some platforms and dilution on others. In community contexts, hybrid communities emerge that blend online and offline interactions, fostering civic engagement but also exposing challenges, such as uneven access, polarization, and diminished trust. These results underscore the dual role of digital technology as both a connector and divider within social and community spheres. The study concluded that digital technology significantly influences mental health, social capital, and community resilience. It is recommended to foster meaningful digital interactions and promote digital inclusivity to mitigate adverse effects. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies to assess the long-term social consequences and evolving nature of digital communities.

References

[1] Abdallah, R. A.-Q., Hatamleh, I. H. M., Nemer Abu Eid, Y. S., & Mahroum, M. (2024). Communication in the Digital Age: The Impact of Communication Skills and Cultural Restraint on the Use of Social Media Platforms in Jordan. Journalism and Media, 5(3), 1244–1258. https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia5030079

[2] Baig, K., Altaf, A., & Azam, M. (2024). Impact of AI on Communication Relationships and Social Dynamics: A Qualitative Approach. Bulletin of Business and Economics (BBE), 13(2), 282–289. https://doi.org/10.61506/01.00283

[3] Barman, S., & Dakua , G. (2024). Studies On Social Media And Its Impact On Youth: Exploring Real-World Consequences. Vidya - A Journal Of Gujarat University, 3(2), 132–144. https://doi.org/10.47413/y9ty4d20

[4] Chyrak , I., Koziuk , V., Siskos , E., & Darvidou , K. (2024). Comprehensive Framework For Social Media Marketing (Smm) Strategy For Effective Business Activity. Socio-Economic Relations in the Digital Society, 4(54), 39–58. https://doi.org/10.55643/ser.4.54.2024.584

[5] Deckker D., Sumanasekara, S. (2025). A Systematic Review of the Impact of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Technology, and Social Media on Cognitive Function . International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 9(3), 134–154. https://doi.org/10.47772/ijriss.2025.90300011

[6] Gao, Y., Liang, J., & Xu, Z. (2024). Digital social media expression and social adaptability of older adults driven by artificial intelligence. Frontiers in Public Health, 12, 1424898. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1424898

[7] Iossa, R., Domenighini, P., & Cotana, F. (2025). Digital Twins from Building to Urban Areas: An Open Opportunity to Energy, Environmental, Economic , and Social Benefits. Applied Sciences, 15(19), 10795. https://doi.org/10.3390/app151910795

[8] Kazanskaia , A. N. (2025). Tech-Driven Community Engagement. Neya Global. https://doi.org/10.64357/tech-driven-community-engagement-2025

[9] Kim, M. S., Wang, S., & Kim, S. (2023). Effects of Online Fan Community Interactions on Well-Being and Sense of Virtual Community. Behavioral Sciences, 13(11), 897. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13110897

[10] Tabatabaei, S., Bulgarova, B. A., Kotecha, K., Patil, S., Volkova, I. I., & Barabash, V. V. (2024). Digital citizenship and paradigm shift in Generation z’s emotional communication: Social media’s role in shaping Iranian familial bonds. Journal of Infrastructure, Policy and Development, 8(7), 5443. https://doi.org/10.24294/jipd.v8i7.5443

[11] Zhang, Y. (2024). Impression management and interpersonal communication in the Internet age: Exploring the new dynamics with MBTI personality testing as an example (pp. 856–862). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781032676043-119

How to cite this paper

Dr. Monika Sharma "The Impact of Digital Technology on Social Relationships and Community Dynamics in Contemporary Society" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 10 2026 Page 653-660 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I10-1716054
Dr. Monika Sharma "The Impact of Digital Technology on Social Relationships and Community Dynamics in Contemporary Society" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 9, no. 10, Apr. 2026, doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I10-1716054
Dr. Monika Sharma (2026). The Impact of Digital Technology on Social Relationships and Community Dynamics in Contemporary Society. Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(10). doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I10-1716054
Dr. Monika Sharma "The Impact of Digital Technology on Social Relationships and Community Dynamics in Contemporary Society" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 9, no. 10, Apr. 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I10-1716054
@article{1716054,
      author = {Dr. Monika Sharma},
      title = {The Impact of Digital Technology on Social Relationships and Community Dynamics in Contemporary Society},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {9},
      number = {10},
      pages = {653-660},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1716054.pdf},
      abstract = {This study investigates the impact of digital technology on social relationships and community dynamics in contemporary society. This study aims to explore how digital tools affect communication patterns, emotional intimacy, social support networks, community participation, identity formation, and collective action. Employing a mixed-methods approach, it combines surveys and in-depth interviews to analyze social relationships, along with qualitative case studies with participant observation and content analysis to examine community dynamics. The sample encompassed diverse age groups and social backgrounds to ensure comprehensive insights. The findings reveal that digital technology increases the frequency of social contact and enables more diverse social networks while concurrently reducing face-to-face interactions and weakening emotional closeness. Emotional support is perceived variably, with enhancement on some platforms and dilution on others. In community contexts, hybrid communities emerge that blend online and offline interactions, fostering civic engagement but also exposing challenges, such as uneven access, polarization, and diminished trust. These results underscore the dual role of digital technology as both a connector and divider within social and community spheres. The study concluded that digital technology significantly influences mental health, social capital, and community resilience. It is recommended to foster meaningful digital interactions and promote digital inclusivity to mitigate adverse effects. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies to assess the long-term social consequences and evolving nature of digital communities.},
      month = {April},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I10-1716054}
  }