Online Time Benefits Teens

Contrary to popular belief, spending time online benefits teens. A report, sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation, contradicts the notion that Internet surfing is a waste of time. Playing games and interacting with peers through social networks aids the development of technology usage and communication skills. 

The three-year study followed 800 teens and their parents to explore how teenagers use social media to learn and grow. Researcher observed participants for 5,000 hours and found that hanging out on the Internet servers similar social purposes as in-person social contact. Online time also allows teenager to develop their identity and creativity.  The report is good news considering all the time we spend online.

Originally reported by the BBC. 

Technology Bringing Families Together

Technology is often blamed for our social woes; however technologies like cell phones, the Internet, social networking sites, and email are bringing families closer together, according to the Pew Institute. 

Based on a survey of 2,252 Americans, Pew found that 51 percent of families use the Internet as a social activity and browse sites together. Likewise, families use cell phones to touch base with one another - 42 percent of parents used cell phones to speak with their children daily. When asked about the role technology within their family, 47 percent of respondents felt technology increased the quality of contact with family members they lived with and 53 percent felt quality of contact was increased with distant family members. 

People have long speculate that technology isolates us and drives a divided between family members, yet the study shows people use technology to increased social connections. 

Originally reported by the BBC.