Exploring Media-Driven Social Changes: A Life-Transition Approach to Shifting Social Roles

Abstract

This article presents the life-transition perspective as an innovative framework for advancing mediatization research. By focusing on individuals' media engagement during pivotal life transitions—such as entering the workforce, becoming a parent, or retiring—this approach highlights the dynamic relationship between media practices and evolving social roles. The life-transition perspective not only enriches the understanding of how media influences these transitions but also offers methodological advantages by bridging the gap between audience research and broader mediatization studies. It allows for a more nuanced exploration of how individuals experience and navigate media-driven social changes in the context of their everyday digital lives. Furthermore, this framework provides a cohesive way to synthesize existing research on the changing role of media across various social domains, offering a deeper understanding of how media contributes to personal and societal transformation.