Saied Reza Ameli Renani; Abdollah Bicharanlou; Mansoureh Hajjari
Abstract
The impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), particularly the Internet, has led to the creation of two closely linked spheres of daily life, wherein daily life is ...
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The impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), particularly the Internet, has led to the creation of two closely linked spheres of daily life, wherein daily life is formed in these two different yet interconnected spaces. In the modern era, media has undeniably become an intrinsic component of the daily routine within family life. The primary focus of the upcoming study is to investigate how the utilization of ICTs has influenced the communication processes and practices within the family (couples' relationship). A pivotal question to be examined pertains to how couples redefine the demarcations of privacy and surveillance within their relationship. Within the dual spacification model of the family, various concepts have undergone semantic reconstruction, including home space, presence at home, family communication, family roles and obligations, privacy, and a myriad of other interrelated factors. Drawing upon recent theories of privacy, a new balance between control and communication has emerged in the realm of social media communication: control is diminishing, while communication, or rather, power, is on the rise. In this research project, a semi-structured interview was conducted with three distinct groups of participants: the first being spouses, the second comprised of informants, and the third consisting of psychologists and couple therapists. In total, 47 individuals were involved in the study. The perception of privacy boundaries by spouses is bifurcated into two distinct organized themes: one is termed "self-boundaries," and the other is labeled as "dyadic boundaries." Within both perspectives, spouses propose a diverse array of interpretations regarding privacy, which are encompassed under the theme of "liquid privacy." Private and public boundaries, along with the notion of ownership over the dissemination of information, prove to be fluid concepts undergoing change. Consistent with the individualization of family members' actions within the emergent domain of virtual existence, spouses seem to be reconceptualizing the concept of privacy and surveillance in this new space, and are experiencing these matters in a novel and unique manner within the fabric of their joint lives.
Extended Abstract:
Introduction
In the modern era, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), particularly the Internet, have facilitated the emergence of two interconnected spheres of daily life, where daily life and lifestyle are shaped within these two discrete yet intimately linked spaces. In the contemporary era, media has indisputably evolved into an integral component of the daily regimen within family life. Cellphones signify an expansive communication network that can be accessed concurrently with family members. The intricate digital ecosystems have transformed the interaction space experienced by spouses, and this shift in communication has introduced a novel interactive experience within the everyday lives of family members.
These alterations have significantly impacted the caliber of daily life, as well as the most intimate aspects of family members' experiences. Notably, research conducted in recent times has suggested that interactive technologies have come to be regarded as an integral component of the sub-system of spouses' relationships. ICTs, or Information and Communication Technologies, introduce a novel dimension within the relationship between spouses, which can influence the emotional dynamics and intimacy. This is particularly significant as it is imperative for both parties within the relationship to feel secure and trust each other in order for the relationship to thrive.
The primary focus of the forthcoming research entails examining how the utilization of ICTs has affected the communication processes and practices within the family, specifically couples’ relationship. The central query of this study examines how couples are reconceptualizing the boundaries of privacy and surveillance? According to the dual spacification model of the family, as defined by the coordinates of the virtual space, various concepts, such as home space, presence at home, family communication, family roles and duties, privacy, and numerous other related issues, exhibit a semantic reconstruction. Moreover, the context in which the family is situated has also undergone transformation.
The second space refers to a real virtual space materializing within an individual's digital domain, and it possesses inherent features such as interactivity, decentralization, wide access, and the potential for multiple, diverse, yet simultaneously distinct choices that diverge from conventional daily life experiences.
Traditional theories concerning privacy have considered control to be pivotal in the understanding of the concept. Trust and norms are considered crucial in the maintenance of privacy. Indeed, communication is pivotal to the establishment of trust and norms. Trust and norms serve as the privacy mechanisms representing crystallized private communication. Within the realm of social media communication, there is now a new equilibrium between control and communication, with control diminishing and communication garnering greater prominence. In other words, users do not prioritize control above all else, but rather endeavor to foster norms and trust. Interpersonal communication, in effect, serves to redefine privacy.
Method
The investigative process involved three distinct groups of participants subjected to semi-structured interviews, namely: the first group consisting of the spouses; the second group composed of informants, and the third group comprising psychologists and couple therapists, amounting to a total of 47 individuals. Additionally, the information for 23 individuals was directly gathered, and further samples were procured through couple therapists and informants.
The initial group consists of the spouses themselves, with each example representative of users possessing the following traits: they were born between the years 1360 and 1380, and they actively utilize a range of virtual platforms, instant messaging services, and social networks. Additionally, they commonly maintain their own Instagram profile or identify as gamers, etc.
Result
The perception of privacy boundaries among spouses is bifurcated into two distinctly arranged themes: one theme is referred to as "self bounderise," and the second theme is labeled "dyadic bounderise." Within both perspectives, spouses put forth a variegated range of viewpoints regarding privacy, which fall under the theme of "liquid privacy." The users exhibit divergent attitudes toward privacy. An analysis of the content of the interviews reveals that two organized themes emerge under the overarching theme of "liquid privacy": "Redefining privacy within the communication sphere of spouses" and "Redefining privacy outside the communication sphere of spouses." Within each of these organized themes, basic themes are further delineated.
Wives' perspectives on control and surveillance within cyberspace encompass a spectrum of 5 themes, which can be visualized as follows: some respondents and clients believe that there should be no monitoring of the spouse's activities in their shared life, whereas others advocate for surveillance related solely to "social media activity." An additional group of respondents highlights the issue of "media consumption by spouses" and stresses the importance of monitoring the content their partners consume. In addition, certain respondents openly discuss family-related matters and consider sharing family photos and other connected material. Ultimately, some individuals advocate for thorough and all-encompassing monitoring of their spouse's digital presence.
Conclusion
The framework of social networks tends to incite individuals to seek visibility and exposure. Consequently, many personal actions have morphed into public acts. Within this context, the demarcations delineating private and public domain become increasingly blurry. Certain cyberspace users argue that any information pertaining to themselves or their spouse holds their intellectual property rights, thereby justifying its dissemination to the general populace. Such users regard external intervention as an infringement upon their private sphere.
In the evolving virtual realm, the actions of family members become increasingly individuated, leading to a reconceptualization of privacy and surveillance boundaries within the new space. In their shared lives, spouses encounter these issues in novel and distinct ways, thereby redefining the concepts of private action, public action, private matters, public matters, as well as the sense of ownership over disclosure.
In this dynamic process, users engage in the renegotiation of clear boundaries between the private and public domains, the concepts of privacy versus areas of joint control, and the absence of surveillance. Consequently, a fluid and diverse spectrum of interpretations regarding privacy materializes, contingent upon the specific platform, type of content, perceived rights over information, relationship timeline, and individual agreements between spouses concerning rules and boundaries.
