Effect of Technology on Family - Essay Example

Molitor and English Lueck offer slightly different views on the effect of technology on the family. In the opinion of Molitor (2003), digital communications are capable of handling a “vast and growing range of activities” (p. 1), thus making the lives of people easier. Thus, according to Molitor, technology has a positive effect on families as technology takes over more and more work and helps save time and effort at home. In addition, distance has no effect on the cost and time required to be in touch with the ones who live far away (p. 11).

While Molitor (2003) provides a picture that is optimistic, English-Lueck (1998) looks into the negative effects on the family. First of all, the scholar claims that the availability of technology has made workplaces international in nature. As a result, people remain in touch with their work “at midnight and at dawn” (p. 2). In the example provided by English-Lueck (1998), the manager uses emails and voice mails for effective functioning but these things make him think “about his work problems constantly, in his garden, and in his car” (p. 2). In addition, he continues talking about his work with his family all the time. Thus, the first negative impact as pointed out by English-Lueck is clear; though technology made work easier, faster, and more convenient, it also made the lives of people busier and more stressful.

Molitor (2003) points out in an optimistic way that technology has made it easier to stay in contact with loved ones who live in far-off places (p. 10). Hinting at the negative effects, English-Lueck (1998) points out that “the only time they have been physically together in several weeks is for the anthropologist’s visit to their home” (p. 2). Admittedly, English-Lueck acknowledges the independence offered by modern technology as staying “in contact” while living away from other family members has become easier. However, the scholar also claims that living together has ceased to exist as an essential feature of family life as a result of technology.

Another vital point from English-Lueck is that families have started using technology as a way to maintain themselves and remodel themselves. To illustrate, the scholar points out that families “create a network of connectedness” (English-Lueck, 1998, p. 5). As a result, one is in constant contact with one distant kin as is with the immediate family. Thus, “parental and gender roles” are often subject to change (English-Lueck, 1998, p. 6).

Admittedly, technology has a great impact on my family as well. The first effect I observe is that technology has reduced the time family members spend together discussing family matters. Even when members are at home, they prefer talking to friends or distant kin using the internet or phone. Thus, the first effect I notice in my family is less interaction and communication among family members. Probably as a result of this, one does not feel more attached to one's own family than to friends and colleagues. It seems a change in family relationships.

As a result of this, family members do not feel homesick when they stay away from home. In other words, family members do not seriously miss their family even if they stay away for longer periods. I feel the reason behind this change is technology. In total, it seems that technology has altered the way families operate. The traditionally essential feature of living and doing things together is not an element of family life anymore.