This document discusses the impact of digital media on modern families. While some argue that technology isolates us and hinders real human connections, the document argues that digital media when used properly can actually benefit and strengthen family relationships. It allows families to stay connected even when physically apart through sharing photos, messages and experiences online. When managed well, technology also enables a better work-life balance by allowing parents to work remotely while still being present with their families at home. So rather than disrupting families, digital media integrated into daily life can support modern familial bonds.

1. Digital Media
and
Family
By: Jessie Armour
Image: Family Photo

2. From the noise of
digital media,
emerges a new
moral panic.
Image: Moreno Berti

3. The fear that our use
of technology is
negatively impacting
our search for identity
and relationships with
people
Image: Iamdogjunkie

4. “The little
devices most of
us carry around
are so
powerful that
they change
not only what
we do, but also
who we are”
- Sherry Turkle
Image: Jose Izquierdo

5. “We have sacrificed
conversation for mere
connection”
- Sherry Turkle
Image: Andrew and Hobbes

6. Ultimately it is
argued that the
digital media web
we’ve created
has made us...
Image: www.FranceHouseHunt.com

7. More disconnected than connected.
Image: ejbSF

8. “We have gotten used to
the idea of being in a
tribe of one, loyal to
our own party”
– Sherry Turkle
Image: Malakhi Helel

9. But despite this
theory of social
isolation, which
hinders our ability to
make meaningful
human
connections...
Image: Fey Ilya

10. digital media both links and
reinforces family
relationships.
Image: Kristian Vinkenes

11. “70%of
parents with a
child at home use
the Internet,
compared to 53%
of non-parents”
Image: GSCSNJ
Source: Katherine Allen, Pew Research Center, 2002

12. “78% of teens now have a cell
phone…95% of teens use the
Internet”
Image: Alex Akopyan
Source: Mary Madden, Pew Research Center, 2013

13. So families are clearly
online and
connected.
Image: Nicola since 1972

14. + 1
Digital Media
The so-called nuclear family has
expanded by one through its adoption
of digital media.
Image: aussiegall

15. “In these hurried times it’s getting harder and harder to
balance work, family & technology. Years ago it was
just work and family.” Image: Aaron Stidwell

16. But managed
properly, social
media can solve the
age-old search for
work-family
balance.
Image: Hayden Vink

17. “What’s awesome about technology is that I
can be productive no matter where I am.
Social media really helps me
bridge the gap between my
personal life and work.”
Image: Inês Cardoso

18. Essentially, digital
media enables
responsiveness to
work issues while
allowing family
members to be
physically present
at home
Image: Jeff Balke

19. Digital media also “provides the glue” for
maintaining family relationships that cross
borders.
Image: spelio

20. Why do consumers
use social
media?
Image: Robert S. Donovan

21. “At the top of the list,
with 70%, [is] the
aim of connecting with
family and friends.”
Image: Sara Cimino
Source: IBM, CRM Study, 2011

22. The beauty of
the use of
technologies is that
they create
living
communication
channels Image: clarisseclarina

23. A channel that can
keep families
updated through
pictures, Tweets and
emails, almost
instantaneously.
Image: SalFalko

24. Digital media helps to strengthen
the ties within family units...
...even from far away.Image: Kai Nicolas Schaper

25. Lastly, digital media
reconnects families through
shared experiences.
Image: Nicola since 1972

26. “Computers simply provide a new set of
activities families can enjoy together,
whether it’s planning a vacation or watching
viral clips. It harkens back to 20 years ago
when families watched more TV together”
Image: Ben Rogers

27. “[YouTube is a] ‘latter
day version of watching
I Love Lucy together’”
Image: Ian Lennox

28. So perhaps digital media
does not disrupt physical
human connections and
isolate to the extent that
some would argue.
Image: Shandi-Lee Cox

29. Rather as digital media is now fully integrated into daily
life, used with the right intentions, it can actually
benefit Modern familial relationships.
Image: Melissa_JMH

30. Credits
a. All images from Flickr
b. slides 4,5,8 - Source:
Turkle, Sherry. "The Flight From Conversation - NYTimes.com." The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia. N.p., 21 Apr. 2012. Web.
14 May 2013. <http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/22/opinion/sunday/the-flight-from-conversation.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0>.
c. slides 15, 17 - Source:
Silver, Curtis. "Social Media & Family: Finding the Balance." wired.com . N.p., 27 Aug. 2009. Web. 14 May 2013. <http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2009/08/
social-media-family-finding-the-balance/>.
d. slide 19 - Source:
Pornwasin, Asina. "Social media provides the 'glue' for one very well-connected modern family." Asiaone. N.p., 13 May 2013. Web. 14 May 2013. <http://
www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Science%2Band%2BTech/Story/A1Story20130513-422112.html>.
e. slides 26, 27 - Source:
Wollman, Dana. "Is Technology Tearing Apart Family Life?." LAPTOP Magazine - Product reviews, tech news, buying guides, and more. N.p., 24 Mar. 2009.
Web. 14 May 2013. <http://www.laptopmag.com/mobile-life/is-technology-tearing-apart-family-life.aspx?page=2>.
Image: @Doug88888