A Review of the Functions of Virtual Space Education on the Family: A Systematic Review
A Review of the Functions of Virtual Space Education on the Family: A Systematic Review
Background and Aim: The internet and virtual space are advancing and expanding at an uncontrollable pace, with all regions of the world now engaged with the internet, making life without it increasingly challenging. However, the internet also brings specific issues and challenges to the valuable institution of the family. Therefore, the present study aims to review the functions of virtual space education on the family.
Materials and Methods: In this review study, researchers conducted a computerized search using keywords across databases including Google Scholar, ERIC, Web of Science, and Scopus. Ultimately, comprehensive data from 17 articles were utilized in this review.
Findings: The findings from current studies led to categorizing the topics into eight general areas: internet safety (family support for children online), family functioning and internet addiction, the impact of internet infidelity on couples and families, virtual space and the inclination toward modern and postmodern family values, virtual space and reduced family interactions, differentiation and the tendency toward virtual space with a tilt toward divorce, family-school interactions in virtual education environments, and virtual space and family physical health.
Conclusion: Virtual space is a novel phenomenon with unique characteristics, which many parents may lack the time, opportunity, or capacity to fully understand, especially regarding its social and cultural transformations that fundamentally affect families. Social media platforms, with their vast options and diverse forms, expose individuals to various new lifestyles. As such, close and warm family relationships often struggle to coexist with technology, with the two in some ways as incompatible as water and fire. However, through proper education and cultural efforts to encourage responsible use, families and society can be partially shielded from its adverse effects.
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