Changing Definition of "Family"

Today’s in-class group collaboration on Matters of Ultimate Concern got me thinking. The meaning of the word family is changing along with technology. It seems as though the traditional activities and functions of a family have been clouded by technology. It has indeed made tasks much simpler however it has only increased the workload of many. A traditional work week of nine to five with evenings and weekends reserved for the family is quickly becoming a thing of the past due to our always-on society. Conveniences such as the DVR offer us much enjoyment however we almost become enslaved to them as recorded shows begin piling up and we begin feeling the need to catch up on watching them. The meaning of the word family has become increasingly narrower as the members making up the family change, number of multi-career families increase, and devices influence the way we spend our spare time and interact with others. It used to be common for families to have a very nice meal every once in a while; one with the nice plates, glasses, silverware, tablecloth, and that required many hours to preparation. Families today tend to keep the nice china behind a glass door just for looks. Families are special because of the unique and strong bond shared by members. I fear that as they evolve and loose the very focal aspects that once made up their foundation, they will become merely a formality.