Family needs and interaction patterns regarding the use of ICT in everyday life

Abstract

This study offers valuable insights into family needs and interaction patterns regarding the use of information and communications technologies (ICT) in everyday life. Given that ICT has become an important part of everyday family life, it is essential to comprehensively explore family interactions related to experiences with digital technologies. Within the DigiGen project, 30 interviews involving 10 families were conducted with children aged 5 to 10 years and their family members in Estonia. The aim of the study was to identify the interaction patterns regarding ICT use that emerge between family members in daily life and the daily family needs that are accompanied by ICT use. Thematic analysis was carried out to identify the main themes in the data. Four primary themes of family needs and interaction patterns regarding the use of ICT in everyday life–satisfying needs in family life, the roles of family members, conflicts/disagreements in family life and family rules and negotiation–are discussed.