# New media in family sustainability: mechanisms for building social resilience through awareness programs

## TL;DR

This paper explores how new media can help Jordanian families build resilience through awareness programs, especially during tough times.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into how new media can be used to enhance family sustainability and social resilience in Jordanian communities.

## Key findings

- New media platforms help families stay connected and access important information.
- Digital media can enhance emotional well-being and support during crises.
- Misinformation and digital inequality are challenges in using new media for resilience.

## Abstract

New media are playing an increasing role in promoting family sustainability. They are no longer merely entertainment platforms, but rather awareness-raising and educational tools that contribute to building social resilience within society. Through digital awareness programs, families can acquire skills to adapt to economic, cultural, and technological challenges and prevent potential crises. This study examines the influence of new media on promoting family sustainability and enhancing social resilience via awareness initiatives, specifically targeting Jordanian families. In-depth semi-structured interviews were done with 12 participants selected purposively and through snow ball sampling technique from various family configurations in Jordan using qualitative approaches. The interviews examined how new media platforms, including social media networks, facilitated family connectedness, disseminated vital information, and bolstered emotional well-being during difficult periods. Thematic analysis identified essential mechanisms via which new media promoted resilience-building, such as the distribution of health information, participation in community support programs, and the establishment of virtual social networks. The findings also underscored the difficulties related to misinformation and digital disparity. Research indicates that strategically utilized digital media can empower families, enhance collective resilience, and offer significant emotional and social support, particularly in times of crisis. This study enhances the existing research on digital tools for family sustainability, offering perspectives on the efficacy of new media as a resilience-building mechanism in Jordanian communities.