Digital Fatigue within the Family: Psychosocial Reflections of Constant Connectedness

Authors : Ayşen Kovan

Pages : 333-350

Doi:10.32709/akusosbil.1722337

View : 59 | Download : 36

Publication Date : 2025-10-19

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The rapid integration of digital technologies into daily life has transformed how individuals connect and communicate, with emerging concerns about the psychosocial costs of constant connectivity. This study examines the relationship between digital fatigue and relationship satisfaction among married individuals in Türkiye, with attention to the associative roles of digital fatigue sub-dimensions and gender differences. Guided by Family Systems Theory (FST), the study employed Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using data from 384 legally married adults (Mage = 37.42, SD = 8.17) collected via online survey. SEM results indicated that digital fatigue significantly and negatively associated with relationship satisfaction, with psychological fatigue (β = –.41, p < .001) emerging as the strongest associated factor, followed by digital addiction (β = –.32, p < .01), physical/mental fatigue (β = –.22, p < .05), and psychosomatic problems (β = –.17, p < .05). Multi-group analysis further revealed that the negative effect of psychological fatigue was significantly stronger for females. While the findings underscore the systemic impact of digital fatigue on relational well-being, limitations such as the cross-sectional design and reliance on self-report data should be considered in interpreting the results. In light of Türkiye’s 2025 declaration as the “Year of the Family,” the study suggests timely guidance for strengthening relational resilience in the digital age.
Keywords : Dijital yorgunluk, ilişki doyumu, evli bireyler, Aile Sistemleri Teorisi

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