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MHCCF meeting - The Impact of Social Networking and Technology Use on Family Relationships

When
Friday, November 16, 2012
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Location
All Saints Church, 338 E Lyman Ave, Winter Park, FL

Speaker: Dr. Alicia Homrich, Ph.D., NCC, LPY, LMFT

Topic:

The Impact of Social Networking and Technology Use on Family Relationships

Technology has introduced many benefits, not the least of which isproviding information and resources to connect with others. The electronic resources of email and text messaging have increased instantaneous communication with loved ones. Social media phenomena, such as Facebook and My Space, have revolutionized the ability to contact and communicate with acquaintances and family members. Research is emerging about the effects of technology on the mental health and social functioning of individuals. The broader question is: What is the impact of social media culture and technology use on couple andfamily relationships? As this downside of new communication systems presents itself in the therapy room, clinicians need to increase their awareness of current research findings about the impact of social networking and technology on individuals, couple, and family functioning. Clinicians must also consider potential interventions to assist clients in benefitting from technology and avoid the pitfalls of being lost in the psychological space of the Internet!

Learning Objectives:

Understand the impact of social media culture and technology on family relationships.
Identify potential negative effects of technology on individual and systemic functioning.
Obtain clinical techniques to enhance relationship counseling among family members and couples who are struggling with the effects of technology on their relationships.