5 Ways Technology Has Affected Families in Negative Ways

Whether we like it or not, technology has become a staple in our lives, especially for those in Generations Y and Z who have grown up with it. As reported by Nielsen in 2011, teenagers send and receive an average of 3,700 texts per month — approximately 125 a day!

Now, before you feel overwhelmed by that number, keep in mind that some of those 3,700 texts are likely sent to family members. Even technology's overwhelming presence has its perks. Consider a few of them:

There's no question that technology in family life can create conflicts. These issues have only intensified with the rise of the Internet and social media, adding to existing distractions like TV, cell phones, and computers. Here are five significant negative effects and tips on how to manage these challenges. First up, hitting the books!

5: School Performance

Excessive screen time — including watching TV, browsing the Internet, and playing video games — can negatively impact children's academic performance. Research shows that when kids engage with screens, their brain releases dopamine, a chemical linked to focus and attention, giving them a quick boost of stimulation. However, with too much screen time, children become desensitized and struggle to focus on less stimulating tasks, like reading a book.

In another study, researchers looked at boys aged 6 to 9 and found a connection between video games and their declining reading skills. The boys didn’t appear to have any inherent reading difficulties. Instead, researchers believe that their enthusiasm for video games simply outpaced the time they spent reading and writing, ultimately affecting their skills.

So, what can parents do, especially now that computers are an integral part of school curriculums?

4: Quality Time

Parents often use technology as much as teens, from answering emails during kids' activities, texting during meals, to being glued to phones while driving. This results in children feeling jealous and distressed, as they have to compete for their parents' time and attention.

The family dinner is a prime example of how technology impacts quality time. Once a cherished moment to reconnect, today’s family meal is often rushed, with family members distracted by their phones, computers, or TV. Often, the urgency to get back to devices overshadows meaningful interaction. Parents are often as guilty of this as their children are.

Here’s a troubling fact: A group of children, aged 4-6, was asked whether they’d prefer to watch TV or spend time with their dad. The result was disappointing — 54 percent of kids preferred the TV. This is a sad reality when educational shows like Bakugan or Barney are chosen over spending quality time with a parent, particularly for young kids who still think their parents are "cool."

So what’s the solution? Set aside dedicated one-on-one time with your children and treat family dinner time with the importance it deserves. One mother enforces a rule where all family members place their electronic devices in a basket upon entering the house, only retrieving them once dinner is finished.

3: A Less Empathetic Generation

A key advantage of family life is that it teaches children the dynamics of society – how to engage with others, balance the needs of the individual with those of the group, and communicate effectively. Yet, with the overwhelming presence of technology in every aspect of life, parents face the risk of raising a generation that struggles to connect with others in real life.

Children who have unrestricted access to gaming, computers, and TV might miss out on essential face-to-face interactions, which are necessary for developing proper social skills. A Wall Street Journal article termed this lack of interaction as "silent fluency," referring to the ability to understand non-verbal cues such as tone, body language, and facial expressions. E-mails and texts fail to convey empathy, tone, or subtext the way in-person or phone conversations can. While the full effects are still being studied, there’s a risk that the digital generation could lose these vital social skills.

Psychologist Larry Rosen, who has studied Facebook interactions, believes that while social media can help shy children become more comfortable speaking with peers, it cannot replace real-world socialization. He writes, "Our study showed that real-world empathy is more important for feeling as though you have solid social support. Although those who had more virtual empathy did feel more socially supported, the impact was less than the real-world empathy."

If your child seems to be spending most of her time on social media or texting, encourage her to talk in person with friends or make plans to hang out. Or at the very least, spend more quality time with you.

2: Blurred Boundaries

In the past, a family's greatest technological interruption was a phone ringing during dinner or late at night. Back then, 24-hour TV, the Internet, and cell phones didn't invade the home environment. School stayed at school, work remained at work, and those boundaries were only crossed in emergencies.

That was the past, but today it's different. For many adults, work doesn't stop once they leave the office. Companies now provide employees with smartphones and laptops, ensuring that they remain reachable around the clock. While doctors have long been accustomed to receiving emergency calls, now there are also emergencies in insurance, technology, sales, accounting, and more.

Similarly, schools now send e-mails—notifications about assignments and events—meaning kids are receiving both business and social messages while they're at home.

Once the barriers between home life and the outside world are broken down, they are difficult to rebuild. However, there are ways to improve the situation. It all comes down to setting limits. Your child’s social life won’t fall apart if she doesn’t respond to 50 texts that evening. Also, avoid creating a double standard. If you're limiting screen time for your kids, do the same for yourself. While you may not want to risk your job, think about how much work you do at home out of necessity versus how much is because it’s just convenient with your computer nearby.

1: The "Inside" Generation

Parents are now faced with the task of actively encouraging, persuading, or even urging their children to go outside and play. With all the time spent indoors due to school, homework, working parents, and other scheduling pressures, how do children choose to spend their free time?

Richard Louv, the author who introduced the term "nature deficit disorder," talks about how the younger generation is becoming increasingly disconnected from nature. When was the last time you saw kids exploring the woods, building forts, or rolling down hills? A 2004 University of Michigan study revealed that kids now spend two fewer hours per week outside compared to two decades ago, preferring instead to watch TV, use the computer, read, or just do nothing.

Technology isn't doing much for our health either. In 2004, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that childhood obesity had tripled in the U.S. since 1980. Despite being one of the most technologically advanced countries, the U.S. also boasts one of the highest obesity rates in the world, a fact that isn't exactly something to be proud of.

However, parents can regulate their kids' indoor time just like their screen time. Set a regular schedule for outdoor activities and stick to it. When the weather's nice, get them outside. And occasionally, join them for a bike ride or walk. Sending your kids outside while you sit indoors texting or emailing sends the wrong message.