Effects of Adult Communication Activities on Sociability and Happiness - Focusing on the Mediating Effect of Sociality -

Purpose: This study aimed to empirically examine the effects of adults’ communication activities on sociality and happiness in the context of digital transformation and to investigate the mediating role of sociality.Methods: Using structural equation modeling (SEM), family communication and interpersonal communication were set as independent variables, sociality as a mediating variable, and happiness as a dependent variable. Communication-promoting factors, communication motivations, and the use of digital media, including voice calls, text messaging, SNS, and video media, were also examined.Results: Both family communication and interpersonal communication had significant positive effects on sociality and happiness. Interpersonal communication showed relatively stronger effects than family communication. Sociality also positively affected happiness, while its indirect effects on the relationships between family/interpersonal communication and happiness were significant, confirming its partial mediating role.Conclusion: These findings suggest that adults’ communication activities extend beyond information exchange by promoting emotional exchange, empathy, trust, social bonding, and sociality, thereby enhancing happiness and quality of life. The partial mediation of sociality indicates that communication contributes to happiness both directly and indirectly through strengthened sociality, highlighting the importance of listening, empathy, positive interpersonal relationships, and social participation in the digital era.