A Study of the Impact of Modern Communication Technologies, Including the Internet, Social Networks, and Artificial Intelligence, on Family, Politics, Economy, and Social Relations

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the impact of modern communication technologies, including the Internet, social networks, and artificial intelligence, on family, politics, economy, and social relations among citizens of Tehran. This applied study used a descriptive-correlational survey design. The statistical population consisted of citizens aged 18 to 65 years living in Tehran who regularly used the Internet, social networks, or artificial intelligence-based tools. The study sample included 420 participants selected through multistage cluster sampling from different districts of Tehran. Data were collected using a demographic information form and a researcher-made questionnaire measuring the perceived impact of modern communication technologies on four domains: family, politics, economy, and social relations. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. The significance level was set at 0.05. Pearson correlation results showed that Internet use had positive and significant relationships with family, politics, economy, and social relations. Social network use also showed positive and significant relationships with all four domains. In addition, the use of artificial intelligence tools was positively and significantly associated with family, politics, economy, and social relations. Multiple regression analysis indicated that modern communication technologies explained 30% of the variance in the family domain, 39% of the variance in the political domain, 48% of the variance in the economic domain, and 45% of the variance in social relations. In the family, political, and social relations models, social networks were the strongest predictors. However, in the economic model, artificial intelligence tools had the strongest predictive power. All regression paths were positive and statistically significant at the 0.01 level. The findings indicated that modern communication technologies play a significant role in transforming family, political, economic, and social dimensions of citizens’ lives. The Internet functions as a foundational infrastructure, social networks have stronger communicative and political effects, and artificial intelligence plays a more prominent economic and analytical role. Therefore, promoting digital literacy, media literacy, and artificial intelligence literacy is essential for maximizing the benefits of these technologies while reducing their potential harms.