Between Connectivity and Care: A Qualitative Exploration of Digital Transformation’s Role in Family Cohesion for Jordanian Caregivers of Disabled Children

Abstract

Digital transformation has profoundly reshaped caregiving practices, yet its influence on family cohesion within disability contexts remains underexplored, particularly in Arab societies. This qualitative phenomenological study examines how digital technologies shape family cohesion among Jordanian caregivers of children with disabilities. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 primary caregivers, and data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. The findings reveal a central tension of being “between connectivity and care,” articulated through four interrelated themes: (1) a digital double-bind in which online support networks function as a vital “virtual village” while simultaneously contributing to intra-familial fragmentation; (2) the reconfiguration of care labor, whereby digital management emerges as an invisible and gendered form of caregiving work, often positioning mothers as primary digital coordinators; (3) the translation of traditional social capital (wasta) into digital spaces to navigate systemic resource constraints, producing new moral and emotional burdens; and (4) the strategic use of digital platforms to preserve cultural, religious, and familial identity in the face of stigma, thereby reinforcing internal cohesion. These findings suggest that digital technologies do not merely facilitate connection but actively reconfigure family dynamics through ongoing negotiation between support and strain. The study underscores the need for family-centered digital inclusion policies and support interventions that mitigate digital burdens while harnessing technology’s potential to strengthen culturally grounded resilience among families of children with disabilities.

1. Introduction

The global digital transformation, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has fundamentally restructured social and familial interactions, creating a complex interplay between virtual connectivity and embodied care [1]. For families of children with disabilities, this transformation is particularly profound. Digital tools from telehealth platforms and assistive technologies to social media groups and educational apps offer unprecedented opportunities for accessing information, managing care, and finding community support [2]. However, this integration into the digital ecosystem is not a uniformly positive experience; it introduces new dimensions of labor, potential for digital exclusion, and challenges traditional family dynamics [3]. This duality positions the digital realm as both a lifeline and a potential source of strain, encapsulated in the central tension “between connectivity and care”, a space where virtual connections compete with, and at times undermine, the embodied care essential to family life.

In the Middle Eastern context, and specifically in Jordan, family cohesion represents a paramount cultural value, often serving as the primary support system for children with disabilities [4]. Jordanian families navigate a care landscape characterized by limited institutional resources, significant economic pressures, and strong familial obligations [5]. Concurrently, the country has experienced rapid digital adoption, with high internet penetration rates and growing governmental promotion of e-services [6]. Yet research examining how this digital shift is experienced subjectively by Jordanian caregivers how it filters through cultural norms of family unity, religious values, and gendered care roles remains conspicuously scarce. Most studies focus on either the clinical efficacy of specific technologies or the general psychosocial burdens of caregiving, leaving a critical gap in understanding the nuanced, everyday role of digital transformation in shaping family cohesion [7]. In this study, family cohesion is conceptualized based on Olson’s Circumplex Model (2000) [8], which defines it as the emotional bonding that family members have toward one another. In the context of disability and digital transformation, we specifically examine how digital tools facilitate or hinder two key dimensions of cohesion: ‘connectedness’ (shared digital activities) and ‘communication’ (the quality of digital interactions). In the Jordanian context, family cohesion defined here, following Olson’s Circumplex Model [8], as the emotional bonding, mutual support, and shared identity among family members that fosters unity and collective resilience represents a paramount cultural value and the primary support system for children with disabilities.

While acknowledging the heterogeneity of digital tools (e.g., synchronous messaging apps, asynchronous podcasts, visual curation on Instagram, and e-government portals), the present study analyzes their integrated impact as a holistic digital ecosystem in caregivers’ lived experience. Platform-specific nuances are highlighted where relevant, but the phenomenological focus remains on participants’ overarching subjective reality.

Existing literature highlights a fragmented picture. Internationally, studies suggest digital platforms can reduce caregiver isolation and foster “digital kinship” among those with shared experiences [2]. Conversely, other research points to “digital burden,” where the constant demand to manage online information, coordinate virtual appointments, and perform digital care work adds to parental stress, potentially fragmenting attention and quality family time [9]. In Arab societies, where collectivist family structures prevail, the impact of individual-focused digital engagement on collective family identity and shared caregiving practices is theoretically ambiguous [10]. It is unclear whether digital tools serve to reinforce traditional familial support networks or inadvertently individualize care responsibilities, thereby straining the familial fabric.

Therefore, this study aims to qualitatively explore the perceived role of digital transformation in shaping family cohesion among Jordanian caregivers of children with disabilities. It seeks to move beyond a deterministic view of technology as purely beneficial or detrimental, instead capturing the lived, contradictory experiences of caregivers as they negotiate digital spaces. This study contributes to the literature in three key ways: (1) by providing one of the first qualitative examinations of digital transformation and family cohesion in the Jordanian disability context; (2) by introducing the concept of “digital wasta” as a culturally grounded mechanism of resource navigation; and (3) by framing digital caregiving as an ecosystem of practice rather than a set of neutral tools. By employing an interpretive qualitative design, this research will address the following central question: How do Jordanian caregivers of children with disabilities perceive and experience the influence of digital tools and platforms on their family’s cohesion? The findings aim to provide a culturally grounded understanding that can inform the development of more holistic, family-centered digital support policies and practices in Jordan and similar contexts.

2. Methodology

2.1. Research Design

This study is situated within an interpretivist-constructivist paradigm, emphasizing the co-construction of meaning between participants and researchers. A qualitative, exploratory research design was employed, with a focus on understanding the lived experiences, perceptions, and meanings that Jordanian caregivers of children with disabilities attribute to digital transformation and its impact on their family cohesion. Qualitative methodology is deemed most appropriate as it facilitates an in-depth examination of complex, subjective phenomena that cannot be fully captured through quantitative measures alone [11]. Reflexive thematic analysis [12] was used as the analytic method; this approach is compatible with interpretive inquiry because it centers participants’ subjective meanings while incorporating researcher reflexivity. This design allows for a rich, nuanced understanding of the “how” and “why” behind caregivers’ interactions with digital tools within their specific socio-cultural context.

2.2. Participants and Sampling

a. Sampling Strategy: A purposive sampling technique was utilized to recruit participants who could provide rich, information-dense cases relevant to the research question [13]. Snowball sampling was also employed to access hard-to-reach populations within the caregiver community.

b. Inclusion Criteria:

• Primary caregiver (mother, father, or legal guardian) of a child (aged 3–18) with any formally diagnosed disability (physical, sensory, intellectual, developmental).
• Residing in Jordan.
• Regular user of at least one type of digital tool (e.g., smartphone, social media, specific apps, telehealth) related to their caregiving role.
• Fluent in Arabic.

c. Sample Size: A sample of 20–25 participants was targeted, consistent with recommendations for achieving thematic saturation in qualitative phenomenological studies [14]. Recruitment continued until data saturation was reached, where new interviews yielded no substantially new themes.

d. Recruitment: Participants were recruited through collaborations with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on disability (e.g., The Al-Hussein Society), pediatric rehabilitation centers in Amman and Irbid, and dedicated social media support groups for Jordanian parents of children with disabilities.

Participant characteristics (N = 22) are summarized below for transparency:

• Gender: 18 mothers (81.8%), 4 fathers (18.2%);
• Mean caregiver age: 37.4 years (range 28–52);
• Children’s disabilities: autism spectrum disorder (n = 10), physical (n = 5), intellectual/developmental (n = 4), sensory (n = 3);
• Child age: 4–16 years (mean 9.1);
• Residence: 15 urban (Irbid/Amman), 7 semi-urban/rural.

Data collection continued until thematic saturation was reached at the theme level. After the 18th interview, no new themes or sub-themes emerged; the final four interviews confirmed existing patterns.

2.3. Data Collection

a. Instrument: Primary data was collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews. This method allows for guided exploration of key topics while providing flexibility to probe emerging themes unique to each participant’s narrative [11,15].

b. Interview Protocol Development: A pilot-tested, Arabic-language interview guide was developed, featuring open-ended questions and prompts. Key domains included:

• Digital Landscape: “Walk me through a typical day and tell me about the digital tools you use in caring for your child.”
• Perceived Impacts on Family Dynamics: “How, if at all, has using [mentioned tool] affected the way your family communicates or spends time together?”
• Tensions and Negotiations: “Can you describe a situation where using digital tools for care created a challenge or conflict within the family? Or, conversely, brought you closer?”
• Cultural and Social Context: “How do your extended family or community’s expectations about caregiving interact with your use of technology?”

c. Procedure: Interviews were conducted in Arabic, either face-to-face in a private setting convenient for the participant (e.g., a quiet room at the partnering NGO) or via secure video-conferencing platforms (e.g., Zoom) based on participant preference and accessibility. Each interview lasted 45–70 min. Data collection took place after obtaining ethical approval on 3 August 2025. With informed consent, all interviews were audio-recorded and subsequently transcribed verbatim for analysis. Field notes were taken to capture non-verbal cues and contextual observations.

2.4. Data Analysis

The transcribed interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis following the six-phase framework outlined by [12]:

• Familiarization: Immersive reading and re-reading of transcripts.
• Generating Initial Codes: Systematic coding of interesting features across the entire dataset using qualitative data analysis software (NVivo 12).
• Searching for Themes: Collating codes into potential themes and gathering all data relevant to each potential theme.
• Reviewing Themes: Checking themes against the coded extracts and the entire dataset to ensure they form a coherent pattern.
• Defining and Naming Themes: Refining the essence of each theme and generating clear definitions and names (e.g., “The Double-Edged Sword of Connection,” “Digital Labor as Invisible Care Work,” “Re-negotiating Familial Roles in a Digital Age”).
  All interviews were transcribed in Arabic by the first author. Selected excerpts were translated into English by the first author (bilingual) and verified through independent back-translation by the second author and a professional translator to ensure conceptual and cultural equivalence.
• Producing the Report: Selecting vivid, compelling extract examples, final analysis, and relating the analysis back to the research question and existing literature.

To enhance rigor and trustworthiness, peer debriefing was conducted with another qualitative researcher, and member checking was performed by sharing a summary of initial themes with a subset of participants for validation [16].

2.5. Researcher Reflexivity

This study was conducted within an interpretivist qualitative framework that recognizes knowledge as co-constructed through the interaction between researchers and participants. The researchers’ academic backgrounds in educational sciences, psychological counseling, and family studies, along with their professional engagement within the Jordanian higher education context, provided cultural familiarity and facilitated rapport with participants. This positionality enabled nuanced interpretation of culturally embedded concepts, such as family cohesion, caregiving norms, and wasta, while also necessitating continuous reflexive awareness to minimize interpretive bias.

To address this, reflexivity was maintained throughout all stages of the research process. The researchers engaged in reflexive journaling to document assumptions, emotional responses, and analytic decisions during data collection and analysis. Regular peer debriefing sessions were conducted with an independent qualitative researcher to critically examine emerging interpretations and challenge potential over-reliance on culturally shared assumptions. Additionally, reflexive discussions were integrated into team meetings to ensure that thematic development remained grounded in participants’ accounts rather than researchers’ preconceptions. These practices enhanced the transparency, credibility, and analytical rigor of the study.

2.6. Ethical Considerations

The study received ethical approval from the Jadara University Institutional Review Board on 3 August 2025 (IRB Protocol: A-D/16-10/113). Key ethical measures included:

Key ethical measures included:

• Informed Consent: Obtaining written informed consent prior to participation, detailing the study’s purpose, procedures, risks, benefits, and the right to withdraw at any time.
• Confidentiality: All data was anonymized. Pseudonyms were assigned to participants, and any identifying information was removed from transcripts. Audio files and transcripts were stored on a password-protected, encrypted server.
• Sensitivity: Recognizing the potentially sensitive nature of discussing family challenges and caregiving stress, the first author (a licensed psychological counselor) conducted or supervised all interviews and trained interviewers in empathy through role-playing sessions focused on active listening, emotional validation, and immediate referral protocols if distress arose.
• A list of local mental health and support resources was provided to all participants at the conclusion of the interview.
• Cultural Sensitivity: The research team, which included members familiar with Jordanian culture, ensured that all procedures and communications respected local norms and values.

2.7. Ensuring Trustworthiness

To ensure the rigor and trustworthiness of the qualitative analysis, several strategies were employed throughout the research process. Credibility was enhanced through peer debriefing, where preliminary codes and themes were critically reviewed with an independent qualitative researcher not involved in the project, challenging interpretive assumptions. Furthermore, member checking was conducted by sharing a summary of the initial thematic analysis with a subset of participants (n = 5) to confirm the accuracy and resonance of the findings with their experiences. Dependability was addressed by maintaining a detailed audit trail, including reflexive notes, coding decisions, and theme development maps in NVivo. These practices align with established criteria for qualitative rigor [16], ensuring the findings are well-grounded in the data.

3. Results

The analysis of the in-depth interviews revealed a complex and often paradoxical relationship between digital transformation and family cohesion for Jordanian caregivers of children with disabilities. The findings are organized around four central, interconnected themes that capture the dualities of this experience. A summary of the thematic structure is presented in

Table 1. Overview of Themes and Sub-themes.

Theme	Core Definition	Representative Sub-Themes/Codes	Prevalence
1. The Digital Double-Bind: Connection vs. Fragmentation	The simultaneous experience of digital tools as bridges to vital support and as sources of intra-familial distraction and conflict.	Virtual Village vs. Physical Absence Information Empowerment and Overload Online Solace, Offline Tension	20/22 (91%)
2. Reconfiguring Care Labor and Familial Roles	The way digital management becomes a new, often invisible, form of care work that redistributes responsibilities and expertise within the family.	The Mother as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Gatekeeping and Mediated Communication Shifting Patriarchal Involvement	22/22 (100%)
3. “Wasta” and Resource Access in a Digital Age	The translation of traditional social capital (wasta) into digital spaces to navigate bureaucratic and resource barriers, impacting family burden.	Digital Wasta Networks Circumventing Systemic Gaps The Moral Burden of Digital Mediation	17/22 (77%)
4. Cultural Preservation and Digital Negotiation	The conscious use of digital tools to reinforce cultural and religious identity amidst challenging circumstances, fostering a sense of shared purpose.	Faith-Based Digital Communities Curating a “Normal” Family Narrative Digital Tools for Cultural Transmission	19/22 (86%)

Source: Authors’ analysis.

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3.1. Theme 1

The Digital Double-Bind: Connection vs. Fragmentation (reported by 20/22 participants, 91%): This theme encapsulates the most prominent tension caregivers described. Digital tools were unanimously seen as a lifeline to external support, yet their use frequently introduced strain into the domestic sphere.

• Sub-theme 1.1: The “Virtual Village” and the Physically Absent Caregiver. Participants frequently referred to WhatsApp groups and Facebook communities as their “saving grace” or “the village that supports”. As Layla (mother of a 9-year-old with autism) stated: “At 2 AM, when my son is having a meltdown and I feel completely alone, I post in our group. Within minutes, three mothers who have been through it are giving me advice and virtual hugs. It’s a village where my physical one cannot provide.” However, this constant connection came at a cost. Several spouses, particularly husbands, expressed feeling ignored. Omar (father of a child with cerebral palsy) noted: “She is always on the phone. To me, to the kids. It’s like her soul is in that WhatsApp group, not with us at the dinner table.”
• Sub-theme 1.2: Empowerment and Overload. Access to information was empowering, allowing caregivers to challenge professional opinions and seek second opinions internationally. Rania (mother of a child with a rare genetic disorder) explained: “I found a research paper from Germany about a new therapy. I brought it to our doctor here. He was surprised, but we tried a modified version. I became an expert.” Conversely, this access created a relentless burden of information shifting and anxiety. Khalid (father of twins with hearing impairments) described it as: “A constant flood. Every notification could be a new cure, a new warning, a new therapy to feel guilty for not trying. It’s exhausting. The phone becomes a source of fear, not just hope.”

3.2. Theme 2

Reconfiguring Care Labor and Familial Roles (reported by 22/22 participants, 100%): Digital management emerged as a significant, unseen dimension of care labor, primarily falling to mothers and altering traditional family dynamics.

• Sub-theme 2.1: The Mother as “Chief Technology Officer” (CTO). Mothers overwhelmingly became the household managers of digital care… Amal (mother of a child with Down syndrome) described her role vividly: “My husband provides, but I run the ‘operation.’ My phone is my command center. His job ends at the office; mine is 24/7 on this screen, coordinating everything.”
• Sub-theme 2.2: Digital Gatekeeping and Mediated Communication. Sarah (mother of a child with ADHD) said: “The doctor speaks in medical terms, the school sends emails, my mother-in-law calls with ‘advice’ from YouTube. I have to simplify, clarify, and sometimes hide things to avoid more drama. The phone is my shield and my megaphone.”

3.3. Theme 3

“Wasta” and Resource Access in a Digital Age (reported by 17/22 participants, 77%): The traditional Jordanian concept of wasta (leveraging social connections) was actively reproduced and transformed within digital networks to secure scarce resources, directly affecting family stress.

• Sub-theme 3.1: Activating Digital Wasta Networks. Tariq (father of a child with a physical disability) explained: “Posting in a public group is one thing. But the real help comes from the private message: Abu Ahmad, my brother, I saw you know someone at the Ministry. Can your word help speed up my daughter’s wheelchair approval?’ These digital whispers are the new wasta.”
• Sub-theme 3.2: The Moral Burden of Digital Mediation. Mona (a single mother of a child with multiple disabilities) shared: “I see others posting, ‘Thanks to God and then thanks to Dr. X who made a call for us.’ I don’t have these connections online or offline. It makes me feel like a failure as a mother, that I’m not trying hard enough digitally to get what my son needs.”

3.4. Theme 4

Cultural Preservation and Digital Negotiation (reported by 19/22 participants, 86%): In the face of stigma and challenge, caregivers strategically used digital tools to affirm their family’s cultural and religious identity, fostering internal cohesion.

• Sub-theme 4.1: Faith and Community in Digital Spaces. Hassan (father of a visually impaired child) expressed: “Listening to a podcast about the Islamic perspective on disability, about patience and reward, with my wife… it doesn’t solve the practical problems, but it re-centers us. It reminds us of our shared faith and purpose. It makes us feel like a strong team facing a test together.”
• Sub-theme 4.2: Curating a “Normal” Family Narrative. Social media (especially Instagram and Facebook) was usually used to present a narrative of capability, joy, and normalcy, countering public pity or shame. Nadia (mother of a child with a genetic syndrome) described this: “I carefully choose what to share. A video of him laughing, a picture of our family trip. I use the caption to talk about his ability, not his diagnosis. For our extended family and friends, it shows we are a happy, cohesive family. For us, it helps us focus on those positive moments.” This digital curation became a collective family project to assert control over their social identity.

4. Discussion

This study offers a nuanced exploration of how digital transformation permeates the intimate sphere of family life for Jordanian caregivers of children with disabilities. Moving beyond binary narratives of technology as purely empowering or burdensome, our findings reveal a complex ecosystem where digital tools actively reshape the very fabric of family cohesion through a series of dynamic negotiations. The central metaphor of being “Between Connectivity and Care” aptly captures this lived reality, where digital spaces are simultaneously sites of vital support and new forms of strain. Our discussion interprets the four key themes in relation to the existing literature, highlights the study’s theoretical and practical contributions, acknowledges its limitations, and proposes directions for future research.

4.1. Interpreting the Dualities of Digital Kinship and Fragmentation

The first theme, The Digital Double-Bind, resonates with and expands upon global studies of technology in caregiving. The concept of a “virtual village” [2] was powerfully affirmed, underscoring how digital platforms can mitigate the profound isolation documented among caregivers in the Middle East [7]. However, our findings critically extend this notion by highlighting its unintended domestic consequences. The “physically absent caregiver” phenomenon aligns with [9] concept of “digital burden,” but we situate it within the specific context of Jordanian collectivism. When a caregiver’s attention is monetized by the “village,” the immediate physical family unit can experience a sense of neglect, creating a poignant tension between fulfilling broad communal care obligations and maintaining nuclear family intimacy. This suggests that digital social capital, while invaluable, may sometimes be accumulated at the expense of local, embodied family interaction.

In Jordan’s collectivist society, 24/7 connectivity amplified by expectations of constant familial duty risks caregiver burnout. Sixteen participants explicitly described feeling “always on,” leading to emotional exhaustion and reduced physical family time. This exemplifies the “between connectivity and care” tension: digital social capital is accumulated at the potential expense of embodied family intimacy.

4.2. The Gendered Re-Engineering of Familial Roles

The second theme on Reconfiguring Care Labor provides a critical lens on the gendered dimensions of digital care work. The emergence of the mother as the household’s “Chief Technology Officer” (CTO) reveals how digital transformation can inadvertently reinforce traditional gender roles under a facade of modernity. While mothers gain expertise and a form of digital authority, this role crystallizes their responsibility for the relentless, invisible administrative labor of care coordination, a phenomenon observed in broader care studies [3] but particularly salient in a context with strong gendered role expectations. This digital gatekeeping can both empower mothers and create new points of familial friction, especially if it centralizes control and marginalizes fathers or extended family from key information streams. Conversely, instances where digital tools facilitated fatherhood more involved (e.g., accessing information, joining online support groups) point to technology’s potential to subtly renegotiate patriarchal care dynamics, a fertile area for further study. To prevent exacerbation of gendered inequalities, digital support interventions must be deliberately family-oriented (both parents) and include shared-access features and “digital downtime” training.

4.3. Digital Wasta: Navigating Systemic Gaps and Moral Economics

The third theme, “Wasta” and Resource Access, is a distinct contribution to literature, offering a culturally situated analysis of how digital tools are leveraged within specific socio-political economies. The translation of wasta a cornerstone of Jordanian social navigation into digital networks illustrates how technology adapts to, rather than dismantles, existing cultural logics. This digital wasta acts as a crucial coping mechanism for families facing fragmented and resource-scarce formal support systems [5]. However, it also introduces a digital moral economy, where a caregiver’s perceived success is linked to their networking prowess and digital hustle. This exacerbates inequities, as those without the social capital, digital literacy, or energy to engage in these networks experience a compounded sense of failure, echoing concerns about digital exclusion in disability contexts but with a unique cultural inflection. This study elevates “digital wasta” as a theoretically significant extension of social capital theory in Arab contexts. It reproduces cultural logics of intermediation while introducing a new moral economy… offering a unique cultural lens that enriches global understandings of technology and care.

4.4. Affirming Identity and Cohesion in the Face of Stigma

Finally, the theme of Cultural Preservation and Digital Negotiation highlights the agential, affirmative use of digital tools by caregivers. Beyond information-seeking and logistics, families consciously employ digital spaces to construct counter-narratives against stigma and to fortify their internal sense of unity. Using social media to curate a narrative of “normalcy” and capability, and engaging with faith-based digital content, are strategic acts of resilience. These practices help maintain family self-esteem and shared purpose, directly strengthening cohesion from within. This aligns with a social model of disability, where the response to disability is shaped by social environment, and shows families using digital tools to actively shape a more supportive social and self-perception.

4.5. Theoretical and Practical Implications

Theoretically, this study argues for understanding digital transformation in caregiving not as a set of discrete tools but as an ecosystem of practice that interacts with deep-seated cultural norms like collectivism, wasta, and gendered familial structures. It advocates for a more holistic, family-systems approach in research, rather than focusing solely on the primary caregiver.

Practically, the findings have clear implications:

• For Policymakers and Service Providers: Interventions must move beyond providing digital tools to address the digital burdens they create. Training should be family-oriented, involving both parents, and include digital literacy, information management, and strategies for “digital downtime” to protect family time. Support platforms should be designed to facilitate broader family access to information, not just channel it through one person.
• For Jordanian Policymakers and Service Providers: Our findings offer direct implications for implementing Jordan’s National Strategy for Persons with Disabilities (2020–2025) and its emphasis on family support and digital inclusion. To mitigate the digital burdens identified, training programs promoted by the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (HCD) should be family-oriented, involving both parents, and include modules on digital literacy, information management, and ‘digital downtime.’ Furthermore, national e-health and e-government initiatives should be designed to reduce the need for exhaustive digital wasta by creating transparent, streamlined online portals for accessing services, assistive device approvals, and therapy referrals. This would directly support the Strategy’s goals of empowerment and reducing familial stress.
• For NGOs and Community Support: Facilitating peer support is vital but should be complemented by efforts to strengthen in-person, local family support networks to balance the virtual village. Workshops could address the ethical and emotional dimensions of digital wasta and resource sharing.
• For Families: Recognizing digital management as a form of care labor is the first step toward distributing it more equitably within the household. Intentional family agreements on technology use may help harness its connective benefits while mitigating fragmentation.

4.6. Limitations and Future Research

This study has limitations. Its qualitative design and purposive sample, while yielding depth, limit generalizability. Participants were digitally engaged, so the experiences of the digitally excluded are not represented. The study focused on caregivers’ perceptions; future research could employ ethnographic methods to observe real-time digital interactions within families, or directly explore the perspectives of spouses and children, including the children with disabilities themselves. Longitudinal studies are needed to understand how these digital-family dynamics evolve. Comparative research across different Arab countries could illuminate how varying levels of digital infrastructure and social policies shape these experiences. Although context-specific to Jordan, the findings hold transferability to other Arab and Middle Eastern societies sharing collectivist family structures, wasta practices, and rapid digital adoption. The concept of digital wasta, in particular, may resonate across similar socio-cultural settings.

5. Conclusions

This study illustrates that digital transformation reconfigures family cohesion defined as emotional bonding and shared identity through a dynamic negotiation between connectivity and care. The four themes illustrate how digital tools simultaneously support and strain Jordanian families. Through the experiences of 22 caregivers, digital tools emerge not as neutral communication channels, but as dynamic arenas where families negotiate between connectivity and care, support and strain.

This negotiation is articulated through four central themes: (1) the digital double-bind, bridging caregivers to a vital “virtual village” while risking physical absence and familial fragmentation; (2) the reconfiguration of care labor, often crystallizing mothers’ roles as household “Chief Technology Officers” and introducing new forms of invisible, gendered work; (3) the translation of traditional wasta (social intermediation) into digital networks to navigate systemic resource gaps, creating a digital moral economy; and (4) the strategic use of digital tools for cultural preservation and identity affirmation, countering stigma and reinforcing shared purpose.

Theoretically, these findings underscore the need to view digital transformation not merely as tool adoption, but as the integration of a pervasive ecosystem of practice that interacts dynamically with deep-seated cultural norms. Practically, they call for policies and support services that promote family digital well-being—designing interventions that involve multiple family members, providing training on managing digital burdens, and creating transparent digital infrastructures that reduce reliance on exhaustive networking. Ultimately, for families navigating disability in Jordan, the digital world is a central arena where caregiving challenges, social pressures, and familial resilience are profoundly mediated. Supporting these families requires a holistic approach that champions connectivity without compromising the irreplaceable care at the heart of the home. Future research should explore how digitally excluded families navigate caregiving, ensuring that digital inclusion strategies do not inadvertently reproduce existing inequalities.