In today’s society, technology is constantly evolving and changing how we live.
Most people would agree that technology is evolving at a faster pace than ever before. With new devices and applications hitting the market daily, it’s hard to keep up. And while some people may grumble about how technology is taking over our lives, the fact is that we’re using technology in more ways than ever before.
According to a study by Pew Research Center, 73% of people believe that technology has benefited them. This indicates that despite the rapid pace of technological change, most people benefit from it.
The role of technology in families
Technology has come a long way in the past few years, and with it has come to a whole new realm of possibilities for family life. Technological innovation has resulted in advances in many other areas of family life, such as work, education, and child development.
Here are a few ways that technology is improving family life:
1. Communication
In the past, most communication was done in person or over the phone. With the advent of social media, video chat applications, and instant messaging, it’s easier than ever to stay in touch with loved ones who live far away. You can now have a face-to-face conversation with someone on the other side of the world in real-time, which wasn’t possible even a decade ago.
2. Organization
Now, numerous apps and online tools can help families stay organized and on top of their schedules. From shared calendars to to-do lists, there are plenty of ways to ensure everyone is on the same page. This can be a lifesaver for busy families with many moving parts.
Here are some examples of useful applications you may use:
- Cozi
- AnyList
- S’moresUP
- YNAB
- Sweepy
- Due
3. Education
More educational resources are now available thanks to the internet and mobile devices. From online classes and homeschooling resources to educational apps and games, there are plenty of ways for families to make learning fun.
And with the rise of distance learning, more and more families are taking advantage of educational resources from the comfort of their homes.
Some popular educational resources for families include:
- Khan Academy
- Duolingo
- TED-Ed
- Scratch
- Prodigy
4. Entertainment
Gone are the days when families had to gather around the T.V. to watch their favorite shows. Now, with streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, families can watch whatever they want, whenever they want. And with mobile devices, they can even take their favorite shows and movies on the go.
5. Home Security
With the rise of online crime, families are increasingly concerned about the security of their families. Statistics gathered by the F.B.I. for its annual crime report revealed the top U.S. crimes in 2019:
- Motor vehicle thefts (79.5%)
- Household burglary and trespassing offenses (48.5%)
- Personal thefts/robberies (30%)
- Household thefts (26.8%)
These are causing families to invest in home security systems to protect themselves in the comforts of their own homes. Trusted local home security companies now offer various services and products to help families protect their homes and loved ones. Some products may include home security cameras and smart locks. Such companies can provide help with the installation and maintenance of security systems.
6. Parenting
There are now a variety of apps and online resources that can help parents with everything from pregnancy and childbirth to child development and behavior.
Many apps provide pregnant women with information on fetal development, nutrition, and more. The app also includes a community forum where mothers can share advice and support.
7. Health and fitness
Wearable technology has become increasingly popular in recent years. From activity trackers to heart rate monitors, various devices can help people watch over their family members’ health and wellness easily from anywhere at any time. This is especially useful for families with elderly loved ones or those with chronic health conditions.
The relationship between technology and family continues to evolve as innovations are made every day. It’ll be interesting to see how technology shapes the family dynamic in the years to come. Embrace these changes and enjoy the benefits that come along with them.
