Social networking online might join millions, but a new study suggests it contributes to less time spent as a family.In the first half of the decade, families reported spending 26 hours a month together. By 2008, that dropped to 18 hours, according to the Annenberg Center for the Digital Future.
So much has contributed to the demise of quality family time — varying work schedules, rising dual-income households, increasing commute times and work days, and participating in multiple children’s sports and activities.
Yet this new study points out a dramatic drop in time spent together at the same time as a seemingly meteoric rise in social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter.
Hardware itself also has become more affordable, bringing to three the number of computers in the average home.
The same can be said for television, which has become more affordable and thus changed from a group activity in a family room to an individual pursuit in bedrooms, offices and even garages.
Technology has joined people in incredible ways. But when it causes a rift in the heart of the family, something must change.
Psychologists attribute family time to important childhood development.
Technology certainly is the future, but it is our children who will shape it and our families, organizations, communities, states and the nation.
Families deserve more quality time.
