Impact of Digital Transformation on Social Relationships in Urban Society of Contemporary India (Rohilkhand Region of Uttar Pradesh): A Sociological Study

Abstract

This study examines the sociological implications of digital transformation on social relationships within urban society in contemporary India, focusing on the Rohilkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, particularly the urban centers of Budaun, Bareillyand Shahjahanpur. Recent advancements in digital technologies, including smartphones, social mediaand online communication platforms, have fundamentally altered the patterns of human interaction, emotional exchangeand community participation. This research aims to understand how digital connectivity has reshaped the structure, qualityand depth of interpersonal relationships in these urban contexts. It analyzes both positive outcomes, such as enhanced communication, global connectivityand access to information, as well as negative consequences including digital isolation, superficial bondingand declining face-to-face interactions. Adopting a sociological perspective, the study integrates theories of modernization, symbolic interactionismand network society to explain the influence of technological changes on everyday social life. Utilizing mixed methods, including surveys and interviews with students, professionalsand homemakers across these cities, the findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how digital transformation reshapes social cohesion, emotional well-beingand the fabric of interpersonal relations in an evolving Indian urban environment. This study holds significant relevance for sociologists, policymakersand educators interested in safeguarding authentic human connections while navigating technological progress