Social Media Use and Its Effects on Family Communication in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The rise in social media usage has continually reshaped the way family members communicate daily. This study investigated the effect of social media use on family communication among households in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The research focused on how regular engagement with social media platforms influence face-to-face interactions, emotional bonds, and the transmission of social values within the family unit. The study looked at how often family members in Yenagoa use social media; examined how social media use affects family conversations, and identified ways social media influence family closeness and relationships. The study was anchored on the Technological Determinism Theory, which argues that technology shapes human behaviour, interpersonal relationships, and drives social change. Using a descriptive survey design, the study employed structured questionnaire to gather data from parents, teenagers, and young adults living in family settings across Yenagoa. Findings revealed that excessive social media use reduces both the frequency and quality of family conversations, potentially weakening family bonds. The study hopes to contribute to ongoing discussions on social norms, digital habits, and family dynamics in developing societies like Nigeria.