It is an increasing trend worldwide where people spend less time with their family members. This essay will identify the potential reasons behind this phenomenon and analyze the inevitable consequences on individuals and families.
One main reason is the increasing requirement for a high standard of living. Individuals have to seek better education or job opportunities, for the advanced courses and lucrative offers cannot be provided in the vicinity of their home. As a result, they stay away from home and contact family members only by phone or video calls. Another reason for the decline of family time is the advances in new entertainment. People prefer to indulge in video games or social networks alone, totally neglecting the feelings of their family members. A recent report by Chinese authorities reveals that young adults in recent years spend at least three hours chatting with friends or surfing online, having less time to accompany their families.
This trend could exert positive and adverse impacts on individuals and families. Those who study or live far away from families would dedicate more time to improving academic and working performance. For example, people who start their own business would not worry about balancing work and family commitments, making every effort in operation and innovation. On the other hand, the lengthy separation among family members usually weakens the family bond. It is a commonplace that people who go back home once or twice a year have less communication with their parents. They gradually become indifferent to the feelings of their family members, which may lead to misunderstanding and depression in some cases. A vicious circle is therefore created that the dysfunctional family adversely affects the sense of family for future generations.
In conclusion, the most important reason for a significant reduction in family time nowadays is the general need to earn a better livelihood and the advent of new entertainment. This reality could be beneficial to individuals’ prospects but detrimental to family connections at the same time.
