“I love technology…” as Kip from Napoleon Dynamite sings at
his wedding.Technology is something that we all use everyday and it has helped
our society move forward in ways that would not be possible without it. Because
of the society we live in today, we cannot live with out technology and be
connected in ways that are classified as normal.There comes a point where technology will begin to have a negative impact upon individuals and families. One way to view family is using the Family Systems Model. Briefly stated, as one member of the family begins to change or leaves the family, the whole family system is changed. You could think of it as ingredients for your favorite recipe. If one ingredient is bad or missing, the whole product changes in texture, taste, and quality. Also, each ingredient reacts different to other ingredients. Some of those combinations made your cookies delicious while others can make you sick. How each family member interacts with each other will determine how the family is as a whole or a system. The same applies to family. So even things that impact individuals impact families.
Don’t get me wrong. I use technology every day and LOVE IT! I love being able to call my wife and friends at anytime. This past weekend I fell in LOVE with the MacBook and I have been searching for a good deal on one ever since. While doing this I have been SO thankful for the internet so I can find quick results. I think that Facebook has been one of the most powerful tool tools created to keep in contact with people across the world and I use it. I have two different blogs that help others see what is going on in my family’s life and what I am learning. But I believe that we need to use technology in appropriate ways because if we misuse it can become a threat to children, people, and even families. One example is given by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. According to a study they did in 2010, 41% of children who were considered "heavy media users" received fair or poor grades (see image 1 below). To show the comparison, 23% of children considered light media users received fair or poor grades (see image 2 below). Look at the difference. Some may think, "That is such a small percentage, it really doesn't matter." Would you rather have your children receive good grades showing they are learning and understanding what is being taught or in that percent of children who receive fair or poor grades? We of course want our children to receive good grades because it means they are learning and comprehending! Overusing technology can and does have an impact on children.
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| Image 1 |
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| Image 2 |
Check out the different tabs to see how each form of
technology (Facebook and Texting/Mobile Phones) can be a threat
to people and also what we can do about it. Please make
comments or ask questions. Let’s make this a place for all us to help each
other learn more.
