Insights
Generational DifferenceOf the five parents I interviewed, one of them was in her early 30's (Noelia) meaning that she belongs to the generation of millennials. Noelia is glued to her smartphone and relies on technology for networking, entertainment and social interaction. The other four parents that I interviewed are a part of Generation X, and see technology as a means to an end. They only use technology if it improves their lives. These parents use technology for convenience rather than for entertainment. For example, to communicate with their family, pay bills or online shop. Furthermore, parents in Generation X could go days or even weeks without their phone because they do not view it as a central part of their lives. In contrast, Noelia said that her entire life revolves around her phone. All five parents said that they would rather call than text somebody because it is more personal.
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Social MediaAgain, the generational difference played a large role in what social media sites the parents I interviewed were on. For example, Noelia was on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat where as the parents in Generation X were either on no social media, just Facebook, or just Linkedin. The four parents in Generation X were much more likely to observe what other's are posting on social media rather than adding their own content. On the other hand, Noelia said that she posted content to Facebook regularly. In addition, the parents in Generation X relied heavily on email, and Noelia did not mention email.
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Parenting & TechnologyAll five individuals expressed concern about the safety of their children on social media. They all felt that they have a responsibility as a parent to monitor their kids on social media as the Internet can be a dangerous place. Parents expressed concern over who their children are friends with on social media, and they all said that they are uncomfortable with their kids being friends with people they don't know on social media. Parents also said that they are worried about their children not developing conversational and social skills due to their reliance on texting and technology. A few of the parents I talked to explained that they think their kids have "FOMO" or fear of missing out. Kids use their phones to post pictures, make plans, and chat with each other so if they do not have their cell phones at all times they might miss something. In addition, all four parents in Generation X said that kids are much more dependent on social media than they are. When asked why kids use social media more than they do, all parents cited a major generational difference.
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