How Technology Affects Families

The fact has become very clear technology is here, and technology is here to stay. Everywhere we look technology surrounds us one way or another. As technology continues to rapidly change and progress, the same thing happens for the ways in which families and people communicate with one another. Technology is a positive and a negative thing, and we really do not know how technology will truly affect us in the future until the time is here. Family communication will continue to change as long as technology, social media and different formats of communication continue to change. The modern technology we have today has affected the way in which we communicate with our family, friends and many others. The three main ideas in which will be discussed are how technology has changed the home and family environment, how technology has affected our social relationships with one another and how children are affected by technology throughout their lifetime. The three main ideas listed above are some of the most important aspects on how technology has changed in ways in which we communicate with one another as well as how technology is affecting us mentally and physically. Over the years, technology has really begun to change the ways in which families communicate as well as the family and home environment as a whole. Technology has progressed in so many ways over the last few decades. We as humans are constantly keeping in touch one way or another with others. Whether we are keeping in touch by texting, chatting, e-mailing or through social media, communicating is a constant thing. We have become technologically developed socially, environmentally and scientifically. Our communication has begun to shift in a way in which is not so much a positive one. Although, some may look at technology more positively. What ever happened to family bonding? We have become so distracted by the technological advancements, in the case we are missing so much of what life is supposed to be holding for us. Children, as well as adults need bonding time with others, time away from all technology. We sit down for a family meal, and everyone stares at their cell phone. We are distracted from what is supposed to be happening. And then when we do not have our cell phones, we …show more content…
Turkle argued some scholars today argue the ubiquitous nature of media is pulling families apart (as cited in Connell, Lauricella & Wartella, 2015). However, according to Hoover, Jordan & Takeuchi, others suggest media are fundamental aspects of mainstream family life in which may potentially influence family functioning in both positive and negative ways (as cited in Connell, Lauricella & Wartella, 2015). We have the capability to contact our friends and family at the click of a button, but is being able to do so really keeping us in touch with one another? In the new technological era, we are able to stay connected with one another through technology. Parents who have had children who have moved out or have begun families of their own, or children who have gone off to college, have the opportunity to stay in close contact with them because of the technological advances we have access to. Parents are able to stay close with their children even though they may be far away. Parents are easily able to keep on up their children’s lives through text messages or