Are we letting our smart phones control our lives?
Based on some recent research, we may be.
How about these examples?
According to this research, more and more parents are scheduling time with their children by making calendar appointments with them.
As the researchers put it, close to half of parents now make formal “appointments” for family bonding.
Their findings they say show just how digital distractions and packed schedules affected everyday family life.
They make the point that what once happened spontaneously — conversation, relaxation, connection — now often requires a calendar reminder.
Another major piece of research reveals that children held their phones during 52% of conversations with their parents.
And then this piece of a study that shows that among adults, they were distracted by devices during 58% of their own talks.
Now you might say this is just what life is like now in this super fast-moving digital age.
But then you might also be thinking that maybe everyone needs to slow down a bit and put down our phones more often and spend more time talking with each other face to face. The digital age could probably use a dose of old-fashioned communication.
(Photo reporting partner ABC 10News)