The Impact of Social Media on Parent-child and Peer Relationships

Abstract

With the rapid popularization of digital media, forms of parent-child and peer interaction have changed significantly. This study analyzes the dual impact of social media on parent-child and peer relationships, focusing on its role in attachment formation and emotional interaction. The study found that social media had a positive effect in promoting the frequency of parent-child interactions, enriching family learning patterns, and strengthening peer support. However, the study also found that the conscious use of social media can cultivate deeper emotional bonds and collaborative skills, while over-reliance on social media may weaken face-to-face interactions and increase conflict. Through literature review and case analysis, this article explores these complex relationship dynamics and proposes practical suggestions for improving parent-child and peer relationships. These include guiding the use of digital media through collaboration between families, schools and society. For example, establishing usage rules, integrating digital literacy education, and promoting parent-child participation, so as to balance the needs of technology use and interpersonal interaction, thus providing a new perspective for understanding the complex impact of technology on modern interpersonal relationships.