Digital technology and neighborly relations in a local community (an anthropological study in the city of Baghdad – Al-I’lam as a model)

Abstract

The aim of this research is to identify neighborhood relationships and the extent to which they are affected by digital technology and modern means of communication. The anthropological study aims to identify neighborhood relations and the extent to which they are affected by digital technology in Al-I’lam City community. The researcher used the descriptive approach and the case study approach, presenting several questions, including knowing the impact of digital technology and modern media on the nature of neighborly relations within a local community in the Al-I’lam area of Baghdad, as well as the most prominent changes that appeared in social participation among neighbors due to the use of digital technology. In addition to its richness in cultural variables, it made it a suitable spatial and human field for study. The researcher conducted a field study of this location for approximately (7) months, during which she was able to investigate and learn many facts related to the research issue through various interviews with the respondents, leading to several results and conclusions, the most prominent of which were the following:

1. Digital technology is a set of techniques, skills, and technical methods to achieve a goal such as scientific research.

2. Most of the individuals within the sample were female.

3. Globalization has a significant impact on neighborly relations.

4. Social media platforms promote virtual relationships at the expense of real-life relationships, leading to a weakened sense of community belonging within the same neighborhood.