“I moved to the UK from Bangladesh in 2016. From the very moment, I boarded the flight, my life changed forever. In a few hours, I was suddenly away from my family; facing the world all by myself. Frequent visits were not possible; the reason varied every time. During these years of feeling completely alone, the few hours of video calls with my family was what kept me going”, said Nidhi, a young professional residing in London.
The influence of technology on family bonding is commonly perceived as a negative force that distracts and isolates us. However, the multitude of positives brought forth by technology to strengthen familial bonding is often overseen. Be it maintaining relationships through virtual connections that bridge physical distances, or shared digital experiences that foster togetherness, technology has the potential to revolutionize how families develop lasting relationships in the modern world.
Connecting families living across hundreds and thousands of miles is one of the biggest blessings of technology. Years before such evolution took place (during the pre-internet era) geographical separation posed a major hindrance in maintaining family ties. People communicated through letters and slowly came telegrams and eventually telephones. Later on, with the advent and advancement of mobile phones, smartphones, video calling applications, and social media – face-to-face connections were just a matter of a few taps, regardless of the distance.
Bridging the gap that physical separation once imposed, parents can now witness their children’s milestones in real time. Such a scenario was more pertinent during the Covid-19 pandemic as movement restrictions prohibited many families from uniting across borders. From convocations to weddings, significant milestone events took place online. Such virtual connections provided a sense of unity and belonging that would have left a void otherwise.
For parents living geographically apart from their children, technology also opens up an arena to become an active part of their children’s learning process. Migrant parents working across the world often spend time helping their children with homework over video calls. Adding to that, technology facilitates collaborative activities that strengthen family relationships even for the ones living together. In the past, family bonding activities involved physical spaces and set amounts of time – that included board games, playing outside and other in-person activities.
However, the present reality is that there is a shortage of both space and time, requiring everyone to make the most of the available resources. Hence, technology comes in with expanded possibilities for shared experiences through the likes of multiplayer video games and OTT Platforms, enabling families to engage in collaborative activities regardless of their physical locations. These interactive games and applications not only entertain but also strengthen communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills within the family unit. Such shared experiences create lasting memories and foster a sense of togetherness. Moreover, this helps people maintain a work-life balance, as making time for family does not necessarily mean spending a huge chunk of time together in one place, anymore. In today’s world, it is possible to maintain contact even amid tasks.
Besides, smartphones and social media platforms have made the process of capturing and sharing photos and videos completely effortless. This enables families to share their cherished moments, strengthening a feeling of togetherness across all occasions. Additionally, the option of cloud storage enables us to store photos remotely while providing shared family access. This in turn eliminates the worries of printed photos getting lost or ruined over time.
With the internet being an infinite pool of knowledge, families can also spend time teaching and learning. Families with young children can spend quality time together enjoying websites focused on interactive learning. This not only strengthens the bond between children and other family members through shared discoveries but also facilitates intellectual growth in the next generation.
While technology brings undeniable benefits to family bonding, it is crucial to strike a balance and use it mindfully. Excessive screen time and dependency on technology can have adverse effects on family relationships if not managed properly. Besides, security and privacy remain major points of concern, posing risks of hacking, spying or stealing. Keeping up with advances in technology, families must be careful about the applications and devices they use, and the content they share. Well-known apps and platforms that carry appropriate privacy features and secure connections, such as imo, should be used. Moreover, it is also important to be careful while sharing any content in the form of photos, videos or text; as there always remains a possibility of falling victim to misinformation. Hence, before sharing any information with loved ones, checking for facts and ensuring that they are from credible sources is a must.
Hence, it is evident that the impact of technology on family bonding extends far beyond the surface-level concerns of distraction and isolation. By using it efficiently, families can strengthen their emotional bonds despite obstructions. In this era when everyone is competing in a race against time, communication technology comes as a buffer – allowing them to take a pause, breathe and smile with loved ones to remind themselves of the important things in life.
Utilizing technology to its full potential requires users to embrace it as a tool for facilitating meaningful connections rather than as a substitute for them. Engaging in shared digital experiences, such as playing games, participating in interactive learning sessions, exploring online resources, or sharing moments should be accompanied by discussions and reflections that deepen understanding and create lasting memories.
Therefore, the internet is not just a screen we scroll and swipe across. It is where we connect, learn and grow. It is what keeps Nidhi, and millions like her, going. For families with loved ones dispersed across different corners of the world, the internet is a bridge connecting them all in one place - like a virtual living room where families unite.
Mehran Kabir, Business Director, imo Bangladesh