Human–Machine Families and the Crisis of Meaning in Family Relationships

Abstract

The rapid integration of machines and artificial intelligence into domestic environments is transforming traditional family structures and dynamics. This study explores the emergence of "human–machine families," where relationships are increasingly mediated or supplemented by intelligent technologies. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives from sociology, psychology, and technology studies, the research examines how these changes provoke a crisis of meaning in family interactions, challenging established roles, emotional bonds, and communication patterns. By analyzing both empirical case studies and theoretical frameworks, this paper highlights the paradoxical effects of technology on intimacy: while machines can facilitate new forms of connection, they also risk deepening feelings of alienation and emotional disconnection. The findings emphasize the urgent need to rethink the conceptual boundaries of family and propose pathways for fostering meaningful relationships in an era where human and machine coexistence is becoming normative.