RSS
Home
Social networking sites and the effects on family interaction
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, and Black Planet, some of the most common names in cyberspace today. Countless people of all ages, races, and cultures are spending numerous hours interacting on the most popular social networking sites available. According to a recent Nielsen poll, in the month of August, internet users spent 17% of their surfing time on social networking and blogging sites. That number is almost triple what it was at the same time last year. The Pew Internet Project reported that 93% of American children between the ages of 12-17 use the internet. Of those users, 55% have social networking profiles on various social and blogging sites. With so much emphasis being placed on social networking, and with so much time being spent using these sites, how is the interaction of the American family being affected?
According to experts like Dr. Laura Schlessinger, social networking and cyber technology are having a negative effect on the family structure. Dr. Laura as she is known to her many fans, believes that social networking has replaced the intimate interactions which use to occur within most American families. She believes that our young teens are most affected by the growing trend. Dr. Laura believes that while social networking is not bad in itself, allowing the cyber relationships to replace true family interaction is dangerous. Other experts believe that cyber technology is hindering the ability of our children to develop social skills, and nurture interpersonal relationships. Family conversations have been replaced by texting sessions. Family activity time has given way to countless hours of intenet surfing, and as a result families do not enjoy the special bond that comes from intimate interaction with those who are closest to us. How should the family limit the negative effects of social networking, while keeping pace with the newest trends in technology?
Some simple ideas and guidelines should make it possible for the family to enjoy both social networking and intimate family time. Truly, the ability to keep things in perspective exists with the parents. Adults should set aside some rules that govern online social networking. The rules include: 1) Ensure that the social networking sites are age appropriate. Many of the most popular sites require the user to be of a certain age. Many kids bypass this requirement by creating fictitious profiles which make them older than they really are. Parents must know which sites their kids are interacting on, and what requirements the sites have for membership. 2) Set time limits on cyber activities. Having a strict set of rules on when the computer can be used, and what surfing options are appropriate will help the adults to monitor the interaction of their children. 3) Educate yourself. As a parent, you must know the basics about what is available to your children. It is hard to protect our children if we are clueless about their activities. 4) Set the example, and set aside time for intimate family interaction. If our children see us spending entire days on social networking sites, then obviously we are encouraging them to do the same. Develop a regular and consistent activity schedule which includes spending time together as a family, minus the technology. Dr. Laura suggests simple approaches like family dinners, walking and exercising together, and open conversation time. As a parent, we should want our teens to feel as comfortable talking to us as they do texting cyber friends.
By following these simple guidelines, and by balancing technology with intimate family interaction, most families should be able to enjoy a diverse lifestyle. The key to success is to remember that social networking offers a world of positive benefits, and modern technology is here to stay. The use of modern technology can be of great value to the family who includes it within the structure of having intimate interaction on a regular basis.
Related Articles:
Comments
.jpg)
