Textingfamily

Technologies in Post-Modern Era (early 21st Century)

By Holly Sanders

  • Affordable DVD Players

    Affordable DVD Players
    DVD players were invented in 1994, however, they were not offered to the public at an affordable rate until 2000. Selling for less than $100, families could enjoy movies at home and use DVDs instead of VHS tapes. This cleared up space in homes of VHS tapes and allowed higher quality entertainment.

  • Apple iPod

    Apple iPod
    The Apple iPod transformed leisure activites for families. Children are now more likely to listen to their iPod than read or talk to family members. Even though it made music portable for consumers, it created a distance in the family in terms of communication and time spent together.

  • Skype

    Skype
    Skype allowed families opportunities to travel independently yet still keep in touch via chat and video. This allowed for better communication, as well as offering a cheaper option of long distance calling. This kept the family a closer unit even when far apart.

  • Facebook

    Facebook
    The invention of Facebook changed the way individuals network with others. As it has developed over the years, Facebook is now a great tool for communication, keeping long distance friendships and relationships closer. However, it also can provide as a distraction in terms of household management and getting work done.

  • YouTube

    YouTube
    The invention of YouTube introduced new forms of leisure activites for families. Families could now watch music videos and other forms of entertainment for free online.

  • American Homes

    American Homes
    American homes were now on average 2,434 square feet with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Having larger sized homes allowed for families to grow in size and also allowed for hosting and more social events.

  • Apple iPhone

    Apple iPhone
    With the invention of the iPhone, family members became more distant and independent. Children now spend more time on their phones than interacting with family and peers.

  • Kindle

    Kindle
    The invention of the Kindle brought back the popularity of reading as a leisure activity. Having the ability to access more books allowed families to decrease purchases of bound books, creating a more ecofriendly option for reading, as well as saving space in the home.

  • Nintendo Wii

    Nintendo Wii
    Though the Wii was not the first gaming system, it was the first interactive gaming system, introducing games and workouts families could do together for leisure time.