Effects of digital habits on the Family
Impact of technology on Families
The increased impact of technology on family time may cause family divides and have a long-lasting impact in the following ways:
Decreased face-to-face communication. As children and parents become glued to various types of technology, it can result in decreased in-person communication and relationship building among family members.
Change in influencers. With friends being so accessible and children sharing less information with parents, children may turn to friends for advice instead of going to parents.
Distanced communication. It’s easy to become distracted by text messages and social media updates. When conversations between family members are constantly interrupted by technology, it may become difficult to “be in the moment.” This may cause children to share less information with parents as well.
Feeling unimportant. Many families, parents and children alike, bring technology to the dinner table and family events never taking a break from the online world. This habit may cause feelings of distance and unimportance among family members, conveying that technology and online friends are more important than communicating with family members uninterrupted.
Lack of strong relationships. When parents and children don’t connect face-to-face uninterrupted and fully present, it may result in weakened relationships with families and others.
Less comfort, trust, security, love. Weakened relationships may result in children feeling less comfort, trust, security, and love from parents.
Less opportunity to parent. Communication breakdowns could make it more difficult for parents to parent their children, offering advice, looking out for their safety, supervise their activities and friends, and teach children good behaviors and values.
When it comes to our relationships whether it's a work relationship or a personal relationship putting technology in its place sometimes really helps us fully be there and connect with those around us.
Technology opens the world for people allowing them to express their curiosity and connect with family near and far.
Positive Digital Habits