This year for Thanksgiving my husband, John, and I decided to head home to Chicago to spend my favorite holiday with loved ones. Much to my surprise, and despite what everyone told me, traveling on Turkey Day was seamless. I am the oldest of five and have a special bond with each one of my siblings that I am thankful for everyday. And because I live over 2,000 miles from the ones I love, I rely heavily on technology to keep us connected. In fact, a recent Pew Research Center survey said 25% of us think that technology is bringing families together. The research demonstrated that rather than keeping us isolated, modern technology has become a force for increased social interaction and in some cases actually helps strengthen family ties.
Each day I communicate with my family through multiple channels such as text messages, FaceTime, Email, Facebook and live conversations. I’ve noticed that my brothers, Eric and Dave prefer to text, while my sisters Kim and Rickie are an even mix between texting, phone calls and a whole lot of FaceTime (thank goodness for iPhones and iPads). I should point out that Rickie is seven, probably one of the smartest seven year olds I know with one of the biggest hearts. She amazes me everyday and I have recently become fascinated with her use of technology, especially since the text messages have started rolling in. There’s nothing better than to wake up with good morning messages or pictures from both of your sisters/best friends.
During our routine sister sleepover a few weeks ago, I interviewed Rickie on her use of technology and the role it plays in her life. Interviews questions and answers are below:
Question 1: Rickie, how old were you when you first started using technology? Answer: I believe I was about four.
Question 2: What is your favorite device to use? Answer: My iPhone because I enjoy using Safari easily to search different things and watch videos.
Question 3: What is your favorite thing to do on the iPhone? And how often do you use it? Answer: Text, search the Internet and FaceTime. I really like to text because you can have a long distance conversation quickly. I probably use my iPhone about five or six times a day.
Question 4: How do you use technology in school? Answer: We use iPads and computers in first grade, mostly for reading, math problems and sometimes to play games. Each person has their own iPad to use. The teacher also uses a really cool projector screen that she can write on.
Question 5: What do you think life would be like without technology? Answer: Really boring because I would not be able to have a real conversation with my sister in Seattle without Skype or texting.
Question 6: What is your favorite app? Answer: Hatchi, the virtual pet because it is like a pet that you can take care of virtually and it shows your progress.
Question 7: What do you know about Facebook or Twitter? Answer: I do not know a lot about Facebook except that people have conversations and comment on stuff. And isn’t Twitter kind of like Facebook? I’ve heard about Twitter on television. I guess you can tweet about different places and things. I probably will not join Facebook until I am 19.
According to my research, Rickie represents Generation Z, a group of individuals who have been connected to technology practically since birth. You better believe Rickie will vet just about anything by conducting a search online or tapping into her future social networks through her mobile device. I can’t vouch for a lot of kids her age but I can tell you that the world better start to prepare for this little girl as a future professioal. She is incredibly smart, beautiful, technologically saavy, energetic, athletic, extremely loving, hard working and passionate. Even at such a young age she puts 100% into anything she does and no matter what path she decides to take, I know she will be a leader. She has already taught me so much. Go get ’em Rickie!