Modern Technology as a means for familial communication

Flipbook Created by: Jamie HongPhoto: CC0, Pixabay

Thesis: Familial connections are

strengthenedthrough the use of

technology

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As the world becomes increasingly technological, our homes have become media-rich, filled with

technological gadgets such as tablets, computers, and gaming consoles (1)

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We’re increasingly

engaging with different

communicative technologies as a

way to stay in touch with our

loved ones(2)

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Social Media

Texting

Video Calls

Commonly used examples of

communicative technologies

include: (3)

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This technology is extremely accessible and currently used heavily in America

45% of Americans have tablet computers

68% of Americans have smartphones

(4)

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58% of American seniors use the internet

84% of American adults use the internet

(5)Many Americans also have access to the

internet which is used in conjunction with

communicative technologies

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“Always-on, cross-platform devices means no more restrictions on how or where we communicate” -

Andreas Bernström (6)

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“Free messaging and calling apps enhance

family communication, leading to more

frequent exchanges”(6)

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“Skype has played a large part in the

adoption of alternative communication tools

thanks to its free video calling” (6) Photo: CC0, Pixabay

Family separated by distance can now

use mobile technologies to stay in touch with their

loved ones. (7)

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“As times have changed, we’re seeing formerly “divisive” technologies connecting older and younger generations in ways never before thought possible.” – Andreas Bernström

(6)

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Smart watches and sensors, such as Lively Safety Watch, are making it easier for concerned family members to monitor, track, and communicate with older members of the family, even when

they’re miles apart (8)

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Despite these advantages, the use of such technologies can actually produce

a family divide within the household.Photo: CC0, Pixabay

“Everybody says they’re communicating more with their kids by text...That’s

the paradox of this: We’re communicating more but we’re not communicating

deeply. That’s the disconnect.” - Steiner-

Adair ` (9)

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(9)

Children are spending too much time on their multi-media

devices effectively reversingthe communicative aspect of

the product.

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“Parents today are often very concerned with their kids’ tech time and put limits on it but they don’t think twice

about their own tech use.” – Tanya Scheivtz (10)

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However, parents aren’t doing any better: “Kids today feel second in importance to their parents’

digital devices.” – Tanya Scheivtz (10)

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The rapid integration of technology has left seniors struggling to acclimate. As a result, many seniors feel

more isolated rather than connected. (11)

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Other problems also exist. Not everyone has access to this technology. Specifically, there is a digital divide between the poor and the

wealthiest individuals in Canada. Many cannot afford basic internet usage and thus

miss out on these opportunities.(12)

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Conclusion: Modern technology has presented families with a solution to solve ineffective and inconsistent communication within the household. However, the use of such technologies comes with various complications as well. This includes a drastically smaller attention span from both parents and children which has actually . In addition to this, many families are failing to connect on a deeper level with all their exchanges occurring through text or online. Finally, there’s a digital divide that exists. Many poorer families and elders do not have access to basic internet let alone more advanced mobile technologies. Ultimately, modern technology can only be used to strengthen familial relationships under the right circumstances.

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Works Cited1. Matrix,Sidneyeve.“film240module01lecture02part01.”Queen’sUniversity.Kingston.ON.21September2016.OnlineLecture.2. Cafferty,Jack."TechnologyReplacingPersonalInteractionsatWhatCost?"CNN:CaffertyFiles.CNN,3Jan.2011.Web.23Oct.2016.3. Johnston,Kevin."ExamplesofDifferentFormsofTechnology-MediatedCommunication"Chron.N.p.,n.d. Web.23Oct.2016.4. Anderson,Monica."U.S.TechnologyDeviceOwnership2015|PewResearchCenter."PewResearchCenter.Pew,29Oct.2015.Web.23Oct.2016.5. Perrin,Andrew,andMaeveDugan."AmericansInternetAccess:PercentofAdults2000-2015..."PewResearchCenter.Pew,26June2015.Web.23Oct.2016.6. Bernström,Andreas."HowCommunicationsTechnologyBringsGenerationsTogetherLikeNeverBefore"TheHuffingtonPost.TheHuffingtonPost,13June2013.Web.23Oct.2016.7. Marsh,Jackie,PeterHannon,MargaretLewis,andLouiseRitchie."YoungChildren'sInitiationintoFamilyLiteracyPracticesintheDigitalAge."JournalofEarlyChildhoodResearch (2015):n.pag.Web.23Oct.2016.8. Gustke,Constance."Technology,WhileNotaFountainofYouth,CanMakeAgingSafer"TheNewYorkTimes.TheNewYorkTimes,24July2015.Web.23Oct.2016.9. Bielski,Zosia."PortraitofanE-family:HowThey'reMakingTheirHyper-digitalLivesWork."TheGlobeandMail.The

GlobeandMail,22Aug.2013.Web.23Oct.2016.

Works Cited (Continued)10. Davies,Aneira."HaveWeBecomeTooReliantonModernTechnology”Contributoria.N.p.,Nov.2014.Web.23

Oct.2016.11. Kim,Kyungo,Wojtek Chodzko-Zajko,Andiara Schwingel,andDeanaC.Mcdonagh.UnderstandingOlder

Individuals’EmotionalResponsestoNewTechnologyAssociatedwithHealthyLifestyleChoice (2014):n.pag.Web.23Oct.2016.

12. Mcgee,Craig,CraigKielburger,andMarcKielburger."HaveYourSay:HowCanWeHelpCanadiansGainBetterAccesstotheInternet?"TheGlobeandMail.TheGlobeandMail,25Nov.2013.Web.23Oct.2016.

AllPicturesFrom:"FreeImages- Pixabay."FreeImages- Pixabay.Web.23October2016.