In Chapter 6 of Rainie & Wellman's Networked, we are introduced to Networked Families. In previous decades, families spent much more time in close physical proximity to each other. While time together has decreased, the authors assure us this is not all bad. In many cases, all family members have at least one device, referred to here as Information Communication Technologies, which allows them to stay connected easily. This allows our families to have more opportunities for communication than ever before.
A HOUSEHOLD IS A NETWORK. Over the course of the past 2 weeks, we have been defining networks, recognizing the networks we already belong to, establishing new ones, and questioning what it is about that network that we value.
In today's world, the boundaries between work and home life have broken down. Family roles have shifted among men and women, and sometimes children too.
TEXTING IS THE NEW LEAVING A NOTE
"made it home safely"
"running late!"
"don't forget the coke mom!"
"text me when you make it to Jaime's"
"what do you want for dinner?"
We've all probably sent simple texts messages such as these at some point. They allow our children several more degrees of freedom. They eliminate many gaps in communication, allowing time sensitive information such as "you left your presentation in the garage!" to reach the intended recipient in time.
Solitary togetherness Networked semi-independence
About half of all American parents feel they spend too little time with their children, but as children become proficient with computers at a younger age, less time together does not have to mean isolation from one's family. In the book, the author uses her and her teenage son as a perfect example of this: Texting "dinner's ready" when he doesn't answer her, because she knows he is listening to music in his headphones. My own immediate family is also a great example of this. We are spread out all over the state of Florida (we probably won't be so lucky in the near future.) We may only all get together a handful of times throughout the year, but group chat, facetime, and skype allow us to remain connected constantly.
Communication via these channels helps families operate as networked individuals.
Hi Kahla! Thanks for providing an overview of this chapter for us, saves me some time! I like that term "networked semi-independence." I agree that it's not necessarily a bad thing, that while we're having less face-to-face time with our family, we're also being exposed to more ideas and people. Our world used to be much smaller, and I'm pleased that it's growing. Good overview, thanks!
ReplyDeleteI like how you mentioned that being connected with you family may not always be a bad thing and that is is definitely beneficial when you live in different areas but I question how it is affecting the family unit within the home. I can see how texting you son dinner is ready could be helpful but I wonder how difficult it would be to walk to the other room to alert him. To me this seems more personal even though it may not be the easiest. I think technology has made us lazy in a sense. It is really easy for us to justify quality time through group chats and skypes but in my opinion that isn't quality but more quantity. You could spend everyday texting your family but there is something about being in the presence of them that changes things. This could also go for your friends. I think technology is great and there are so man beneficial uses but when it comes to the family unit within the household, maybe it is something we should put down.
ReplyDeleteAs far as referring to the family as a network. That is a really good point. You may not have career or school in common but the family typically works together to achieve a goal. maintaining happiness throughout the home. I am coming to believe that networks are all over the place and often defined outside of school and work.