The Wired Family

Abstract

As a nation, we are supersaturated with technology and our families are truly wired. This article reviews what we know about the extent to which the newest communication technologies have become part of the family landscape and how these technologies may be altering aspects of family life. It examines who studies the effects of technology on the family; what we know and what is missing; why there may be a paucity of research on technology effects, especially empirical research; and why it is urgent we increase our focus on technologies and families. The article is divided into four sections that discuss (a) tracking the data and reports, (b) family effects of new media technologies, (c) children and media technologies, and (d) what the future holds.