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The Influence of Technology on Our Family Dynamics
Technology is infiltrating every part of our existence, including our family life, and often with dire consequences. British parents are believed to send more than 5,800 text messages and as many as 260 emails to their partner and children every year – yet spend less than an hour face-to-face with them each day. These figures were compiled during a survey conducted by Highland Spring as part of a campaign by the UK Lawn Tennis Association that was aimed at getting families more active. Could this be an indication that the typical family structure is falling away amid the birth of a technology-dependent society?
Hello the future
The internet has undoubtedly become the most prevalent form of communication among children and their parents alike. How often do we, as parents, send a Whatsapp message to a child who is only in the next room? Even the once-treasured family dinner has lost most of its significance with hearty conversation making way for an awkward silence broken only by the continuous tapping of smartphones.
Human interaction made way for social media
Children become distressed when they notice that their parents are spending almost as much time on the internet as they do. At the same time, they are also prone to underdeveloped social skills due to the vast amount of time they spend on social media. The 'playdates’ we might remember from our own childhoods are rapidly becoming extinct. Today’s children interact with their friends via Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat, with members of the same family often only remembering each other’s birthdays because Facebook reminded them.
Technology has its benefits too
The internet might have its downsides for the dynamics within the family, but it is important to acknowledge the benefit of technology as well. In moderation, and with rules in place, technology can contribute to the family in a very positive manner. Our homes are being revolutionized by an array of futuristic gadgets that are systematically changing the way we approach home security, watch television and even do our laundry. Even the internet has its benefits, allowing children to conduct research for school projects, stream the latest music and browse educational websites. It also enables us to coordinate our busy schedules, simplify our shopping and stay in contact with family members who live far away.
The line between just enough and too much exposure to technology is very fine and must be carefully monitored by parents to prevent the family from becoming disconnected because of it. By setting boundaries and instilling good values in our children from a young age they have the best chance of being able to utilize the good of the internet without becoming obsessed with it.