Analyzing the Impact of Digital Transformation on Human Behavior and Social Structures in Contemporary Societies

Abstract

The emergence of digital technologies, such as social media and artificial intelligence, has led to behavioral and structural changes across society. This study examines the reach these changes have as they influence behavior and the social structures they encompass. The study uses a survey (420 participants) as a quantitative tool and semi-structured interviews (n = 25) as a qualitative research tool to collect data. According to the survey's quantitative data, 68.3% of respondents reported being more dependent on digital technologies for social interactions. 57.6% reported a measurable decline in social interactions. Digital technologies influenced 72.1% of respondents to use digital technologies to make decisions in social and work contexts. Through semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, interview participants described various phenomena, including a relatively short attention span (increased digital virtual socialization and decreased social networks).  At the structural level, a 41.8% shift in social networks among work and school members was viewed as a positive by respondents, driven by the growing use of digital technologies in both settings. Digital inequalities (reported by 29.4% respondents), combined with data privacy and social isolation, are viewed as the most critical challenges that digital integration and transformation have posed on society.  The survey respondents uniformly claimed that the transformation they have experienced in social networks and structures has been strong. The survey respondents claimed that society has experienced negative effects, and many societal changes have been digitally positive.  The need for balanced digital strategies and digital use has been highlighted.