A Sociological Study of Social Media’s Impact on Family Relationships Among Urban Youth

This paper explores the impact of social media usage on family relationships among urban youth in Raipur, a Tier-2 city in India. Using a mixed-methods research design, the study combines quantitative data from structured questionnaires with qualitative thematic analysis to examine how digital platforms influence communication patterns, emotional bonding, and intergenerational dynamics within families. Findings reveal that while social media facilitates convenient and continuous contact, it also contributes to reduced face-to-face interaction, emotional distancing, and occasional familial conflict. Youth often experience a disconnect between online engagement and meaningful offline relationships, with generational differences in digital literacy further widening the communication gap. The study highlights a shift in the role of family as the primary agent of socialization, now sharing space with powerful digital influences. It concludes with suggestions for promoting digital balance and fostering empathetic, inclusive family interactions in an increasingly connected world.