The Role of the Online Public Sphere in Transforming Social Relationships Among Jordanian Householders

This study aims to examine the impact of the public sphere provided by the internet for parents in Jordanian families. The areas for measuring the public sphere online were derived from Habermas's propositions, which include communication with the external world for the purpose of acquiring new knowledge, exchanging benefits and gains, and accessing sources of power. The study sample consisted of 436 parents from the towns of the Irbid, Jerash, Ajloun, and Mafraq governorates. It was conducted from September 2022 to January 2023. The results showed that the internet provides a public sphere for parents in all measured aspects, regardless of variations in the sample's characteristics, except for the variables of gender and educational level. Thus, the internet enables parents to acquire new knowledge, exchange benefits and gains, receive emotional support, and access sources of power. The public sphere online extends parents’ communication and knowledge beyond the traditional family relationships, fostering broader and more extensive social connections. Despite the limited geographical scope of the family system, it was existentially able to communicate with the public sphere through its online presence. In light of these findings, the study recommends conducting qualitative research on the content consumed by parents online and their interpretations of this content. Additionally, it suggests further research on the negative uses of the internet and their impact on family relationships and roles. Finally, the study advocates for guiding online content to enhance the parents’ roles in promoting the general welfare of society.