The family that texts together, stays together; Pew report says nuclear family most plugged in

Jacqui Cheng at ars technica takes a look at how tech is shoring up the nuclear family. "The typical American family is also the most networked, according to a new report by the Pew Internet & American Life Project."  Married-with-children households are more likely than others to have cell phones, computers, and a broadband connection.  Rather than impinging on family life, it appears that all this tech is helping couples to coordinate and stay connected.  I know that the cell phones are a lifeline between Kris and me. I also get a text message when she updates her twitter account or Facebook status.  And often those updates plug me into small but important moments in her life and in the day to day lives of our kids. Like first steps, long days of short naps, first roll overs, home from the first day of school.  Kids' clothing sizes when I'm shopping alone (always dangerous).  And text messaging has played a crucial role in our fiscal lives as well. Last time I bought a car, Kris texted me the blue book value and reviews of the cars I was looking at – which gave me something to do during those long stretches when the salesperson leaves you sitting alone to go "talk with a manager" about pricing.  And took away some of their home team advantage.  All in all, it's hard to believe how relatively short a time ago we didn't even own cell phones or Internet connections, and how deeply integrated they are in our lives now.  

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