On Networked Families

 This chapter from Networked is pretty much exactly what you think it is. Networked families are closer because of their use of ICTs. These ICTs allow for almost instantaneous sharing, allowing families to connect through texting, emails, and various forms of social media. I really love that the book includes a chapter on Networked families, because I feel like there are a lot of stereotypes floating around in popular culture about how technology drives wedges between families: the teenager who won't socialize, the "loveless" couple who go out to dinner and stare at their phones the whole time etc. We've all seen the stereotypes, but what I love about this chapter is that it basically shows that technology use in a Networked family is just a reflection of dynamics that already exist there. In families or partnerships where strong relationships exist, ICTs magnify that relationship. This has certainly been true of my own family and my marriage. My sister and I are usually running two conversations simultaneously over text and instagram. With my best friends, who are like family, we have a group chat, separate chat, a group instagram, separate instagram etc. I would be curious if I have any classmates out there who feel like their use of ICTs within their Network is not reflective of their actual relationships. If this is you, and you're comfortable sharing, please chime in! 

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