Sibling Rivalry Reloaded: The Role of Smartphones in Conflict and Resolution

Abstract

Aims of the Study: This research study aimed to examine the extent of smartphone usage among siblings within a specific age group and the nature of conflicts that arise between siblings due to smartphone usage. Furthermore, it explored overall impact of smartphones and the factors which play potential in resolving conflicts among siblings.

Methodology: The study employed the focus group to investigate the utilization of smartphones during family time and its impact on sibling relationships. The participants chosen for this study were children of employed parents residing in Lahore, Pakistan. Children aged between 4 to 16 years were chosen through convenience sampling procedure.

Findings: Findings showed that smartphones resolve 4-8-year-old sibling disagreements. According to the results, it found that in the 8-12 age group smartphones can cause and resolve sibling conflicts as well. Children use smartphones to confront, reject, criticize, establish authority, and supervise ("Eagle's eye"), producing issues. Findings about 13-16-year-olds revealed smartphones have caused conflicts as well as resolve. Smartphones used by 13-16-year-olds found exacerbate sibling conflicts due to poor interactions.

Conclusion: Study concluded that smartphones among kids aged 4-8 years smartphones are more effective in resolving conflicts and smartphones among kids in the age group of 8-12 years create and resolve conflicts between siblings, whereas among aged 13-16 years smartphones more contribute to conflicts rather than resolution.