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Is Technology Harming Families—and if so, What Can We do about it?

  • Veronica Neffinger

    Veronica Neffinger wrote her first poem at age seven and went on to study English in college, focusing on 18th century literature. When she is not listening to baseball games, enjoying the…

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  • Updated Jun 28, 2017

The majority of Americans still maintain that family is one of their top priorities, but they also acknowledge that technology is often a hindrance to family relationships.

The question of how technology is affecting family relationships and what families can do about it is the subject of Christian author Andy Crouch’s new book The Tech-Wise Family. In the book, Crouch collaborates with research organization Barna Group to explore the ways families are affected by technology.

According to Christian Today, Barna’s research found that more than six in 10 American adults said family played an important role in their lives--an even more important role than their nationality, ethnicity, or religion.

In addition, research revealed that seven in 10 parents said they had a specific set of values they hoped to impart to their children and maintain in their family. These values included a good work ethic, being a good friend, having self-control, and serving others.

But while the majority of parents value their families and are serious about imparting good values to their children, a majority also admitted that technology and social media presented the greatest challenge to this endeavor.

The majority of families reported that the draw of technology and social media was often a disrupting presence in family dynamics.

In his book, Crouch offers advice for how families can maintain healthy relationships in this digital age.

“Making conscientious choices about technology in our families is more than just using internet filters and determining screen time limits for our children,” he writes. “It's about developing wisdom, character, and courage in the way we use digital media rather than accepting technology's promises of ease, instant gratification, and the world's knowledge at our fingertips. And it's definitely not just about the kids.”

 

Photo courtesy: ©Thinkstock/moodboard

Publication date: June 28, 2017