Virtual Family

Two months ago I could have never dreamed that my dad would send me a “friend request” via Facebook. Actually, it was my dad who sat down and taught me all about computers and technology at a very young age. I kept up with the changing technology, he did not. Until recently I’ve enjoyed being “one-up” on my dear old dad, having a Facebook profile, Firefox as my internet browser and now a blog for my writing class; but he was not as far behind as I’d thought!

When I think of the American family a definite image does not come to mind. Nowadays we have multiple definitions that further define the definition of “family”. Now there’s the nuclear, extended complex and several other different American definitions for family. Everyone is trying to find new, specific ways to express themselves. Technology provides people with new avenues of expression; however, these avenues help people to share their information with everyone! Emilio mentions the need for social units where “privacy and community coexist” (235). While that might not be available in every small town across America, it is available through any internet connection in the world. Technology has provided us with the means to be a part of a “virtual” family or community of people.

Has technology affected my family life? Of course! My younger brother and I always have some sort of technology at (or in) our fingertips at ALL times. My dad and I recently moved across the country, leaving behind a very large immediate and extended family. While yes, sometimes technology takes us away from what Emilio considers to be traditional family activities, it also provides us with so many new activities. Since our move “Skyping” has become a regular activity in our home. We can video chat, e-mail, text and even play video games on our Wii with family members over 2,000 miles away. There is really nothing that can replace having face to face interaction with others, especially family, but I’m so grateful the technology provides me with so many communication avenues. The digital world definitely makes life better, but it can’t make the feeling of a hug, a warm meal to be shared with others or any of the other little things that we take for granted.