Home on the Radar Range
With the advancement of technology, men have explored the unknown
regions of outer space. More efficient mass transportation methods have been
developed. Small businesses are equipped with up-to-date computers and wordprocessing
equipment. Even the average household is filled with all the
conveniences money can buy. Modern technology is responsible for these new
developments, but it is also largely responsible for the decline of the close-knit
American family.
It may be true that, as individuals, family members have more advantages
due to advanced technology. The head of the household now needn’t spend
hours on financial matters; a simple hand calculator can save him time on
keeping up the budget, paying the bills, and balancing the checkbook. The
homemaker can cut down on time spent on household duties with the help of a
portable dishwasher, a microwave oven, and numerous electrical cooking and
cleaning devices. Modern conveniences create more free time for her to pursue a
career, attend school, or simply watch soap operas. The children in an American
family have greater educational advantages due to technology. They can borrow
Dad’s calculator to do math assignments accurately, watch educational
television, or study with the aid of a home computer.
While new developments in technology may provide advantages for the
individual family member, they stunt the growth of the family unit. For example,
school-age children learn more advanced methods than their parents learned. It
is difficult for a child, therefore, to relate to his parents what he learned in data
processing class or business machines class; the modern equipment and methods
are probably unknown to the parents. A child was once able to ask for help with
homework or share his school experiences, but now a communication gap has
developed between parent and child in this area.