The Digital Hearth and the Curated Self in Modern Family Life

<jats:p>This chapter introduces “digital kinship,” arguing that technology actively transforms family bonds, rather than just facilitating communication. It posits that digital tools are a primary arena where the familial self is constructed. By integrating Symbolic Interactionism (for identity work) and Family Systems Theory (for emotional dynamics), the analysis examines sites like social media feeds and group chats. It reveals how platform features shape family processes, using emojis for identity, creating digital hearths for support, and navigating digital fog. The proposed model frames digital kinship as an ongoing achievement, offering insights for theory and practical application in therapy and education.</jats:p>