Digital Dependency and Human Disconnection: A Sociological Study of Technology’s Impact on Interpersonal Relationship

Abstract

In today's digitally mediated world, smartphone and social media usage have transformed interpersonal relationships in complex and often problematic ways. This study undertakes a comprehensive sociological investigation into the effects of digital dependency on human disconnection, focusing on the decline in offline relational quality and evolving social norms. Drawing on the theoretical frameworks of attachment theory and compensatory internet use theory, we propose that individuals with weaker early-life interpersonal bonds develop heightened reliance on digital media, thereby diminishing in-person communication skills and relational satisfaction Conversely, those with missing social needs may turn to online platforms for compensation. Our meta- analytic overview synthesizes findings from over 98 studies involving 134,593 participants, revealing a robust negative correlation between digital addiction and offline interpersonal relationships, while demonstrating a moderate positive correlation with online relations. Qualitative insights indicate that phubbing the habit of snubbing companions by using phones erodes trust and emotional intimacy in both familial and romantic contexts. Behavioral studies further show that both passive and active social media use predict increased loneliness over time, suggesting that digital engagement fails to substitute real-world social connection. Moreover, the phenomenon of continual partial attention and superficial communication is associated with increased depersonalization and decreased empathy. Our proposed mixed-methods study combining a cross-sectional survey and in-depth interviews seek to empirically validate these patterns within a sample of young adults aged 18–30. We anticipate confirming that high digital dependency predicts poor face-to-face relational satisfaction and elevated psychological distress. Implications include potential interventions such as structured digital detoxes to restore offline connectedness and design of technology that supports rather than disrupts meaningful interaction. This research contributes to digital sociology and public mental health discourses by clarifying the social costs of digital dependency and proposing actionable mitigation strategies.