The gratifications achieved from the use of social media by Algerian family members- A field study on a sample of families in the city of M’sila as a model

Abstract

The study problem stemmed from an attempt to understand the psychological gratifications achieved from the use of Algerian family members to social media, and its impact on family relations. Where the study aimed to shed light on the most important psychological motives and gratifications that contemporary Algerian family members - parents and children - seek to satisfy, which appear through their intense desire to browse various social media sites - to the point of addiction -. In order to achieve these goals, the study relied on the social survey method as one of the important approaches in the field of media studies that are concerned with surveying the media and communication audiences - social networking sites. Where the research was applied to a sample of 425 members in the Algerian city of M’sila, and the study employed a questionnaire tool to collect information from this sample, which included both fathers and children within the family, and they were chosen in an intentional way. The study reached a set of results, the most important of which are:

-There are statistically significant differences between parents and children in terms of the gratifications they seek to achieve from their use of social networking sites.

-That some family members use social media to enhance their sense of social presence.

-Children use social networking sites to get rid of their personal problems and deal with them with close friends.

- Family members frequently use social media to escape daily routines and family pressures.

-Connecting with friends and family through social media greatly enhances the feeling of satisfaction and satisfaction among parents.

Through the findings, the researcher presented a set of suggestions and recommendations that would contribute to providing a safe, stable and harmonious family environment among its members.