Study underscores family value of technology

Technology is helping families stay connected, despite fears of it bringing in a corrupting influence or driving people apart. It's the pace of modern life that makes technology a necessity in order to remain up-to-date, researchers say.

The to-do list for the modern family:
• E-mail grocery list to hubby.
• Text oldest daughter re: pick up from soccer practice?
• Call mother-in-law's cell re: Thanksgiving.
• Spend time on Webkins with youngest.

If these items show up on your cell phone or PC calendars, congratulations. Your family is using technology to stay close and connected, according to a new study from the Pew Internet & American Life Project.

The survey of 2,252 adults breaks with the stereotype of cell phones and computers fragmenting the traditional, two-parent, one-or-two child family. Pew found that the impact of technology in these homes "allow family members to stay more regularly in touch even when they are not physically together. Moreover, many members of married-with-children households view material online together."

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