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In the old days, non-interactive mediums like the television put a barrier between family members, each member wanting to watch their own separate shows. But modern technology, like cell phones, computers, and the Internet have created new mediums for increasing social interaction and bringing families together. Parents who have connected with their kids via the various new mediums said they've resigned themselves to doing it the new way. Modesto resident Trinity Balmonte said she always texts her 16-year old daughter, Cassy, because she knows it's faster than calling. "I definitely think that Facebook is a positive thing," said Balmonte. "But we need as parents to be more proactive. We can't just trust that our good kids will stay good kids. We can never just let them go. They are always still learning from their parents."
Kansas City
While the frequent complaint about the Internet is that it makes us more isolated, some families have instead harnessed the power of social media and emerging technologies to become even closer. "It's so easy to send a picture or a video," said Edward, a Modesto Junior College student and hairstylist at Plush Hair Studio, about keeping in touch with his parents. "I feel I'm more open to them now because it's so easy to update them. And it feels good to share." In fact, Edward said his parents being tech savvy has helped bridge the generation gap between them. "If you see an older person than you who is up-to-date with technology, you'll feel more connected," he said. "I feel like if my parents had the cheapest cell phone that didn't have online access or text, we'd have nothing in common."
