Technology-facilitated interaction in the parent–child relationship
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Abstract
This chapter examines the role of information and communication technologies in shaping parent–child interaction across diverse family forms and life-course stages. The chapter explores joint media engagement, including shared gaming, scaffolding of digital skill development, and collaborative online activities, as well as ICT-mediated communication, such as phone and video calls, messaging, and social media. Drawing on family relationship frameworks alongside media theories, such as media richness theory, the chapter analyses how different modes of mediated interaction support intimacy, care, and intergenerational connection. A central focus is the largely positive role of digital media and communication technology in family life, where technology enables synchronous, continuous, and multimodal forms of connection, including across distance, over the family life-cycle. These practices have shaped how family and intergenerational relationships are maintained and experienced in today’s polymedia world.
Keywords
parent-child relationships, information and communication technologies, digital communication, joint media engagement, intergenerational relationships, social media
Document Type
Book Chapter
Date of Publication
1-1-2026
Publication Title
Family Relationships in the Digital Era: How Information and Communication Technology Connects and Disconnects Us
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
School
School of Arts and Humanities
ISBN
[9781040567876]
Copyright
subscription content
First Page
94
Last Page
118
Recommended Citation
Tammisalo, K., Baldassar, L., & Fiore, B. (2026). Technology-facilitated interaction in the parent-child relationship. In K. Tammisalo, M. Danielsbacka, & A. O. Tanskanen (Eds.), Family relationships in the digital era: How information and communication technology connects and disconnects us (pp. 94-118). Taylor & Francis. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003653394-7