Pinterest perfect picture: The relationship between family events and social media

Abstract

Technology-based leisure is deeply ingrained into modern American family lives. Families use Internet and mobile technology to bond through shared online experiences, remote interactions, planning shared time, and teach children various skills. Use of technology by family members has also introduced multiple challenges. Among those challenges are blurred boundaries between the outside world and family leisure, sexting and bullying, unsafe driving while texting, issues of privacy, and decreased face-to-face communication. While there have been multiple studies on the use of social media by individuals, we know very little about the use of these platforms in the context of family events. Using a Family Process approach, this chapter will present how families use social media in the context of family celebrations, sport participation, and travel experiences. We conclude the chapter by discussing the current gaps in the literature and possible avenues for future research.