In “Keeping Together Long Distance Families: Technology as a Social Actor,” independent researcher Madalina Ioescu focuses on families separated by economic migration and argues that children, parents and grandparents feel less separated when using digital technology to connect and communicate with one another. In this way, parenting or grand parenting from abroad is related to new technologies which can ultimately help overcome geographical barriers. Specifically, this paper focuses on the separation of Romanian families, primarily Romanian children whose parents work and live in Western Europe, after the country joined the EU in 2007. 

Ioescu goes on to say that new technologies connect family members and ease communication when users face homesickness. To emphasize her point about the need for technology when abroad, Ioescu presents data on Romanian children living without their parents. Ioescu states that 100,000 children in Romania live without their parents. Two percent of Romanian children and 7.5 percent have at least one parent working abroad, while 83,000 children are monitored by authorities. Meanwhile, in 2014, more than three million Romanian adults migrated to work in Western Europe.

Based on these large numbers, it’s clear to see why Romanian seniors have become interested in taking courses on improving their digital literacy skills. Data provided by Ioescu suggests that between 2009 and 2014, Romania and Italy were among countries which recorded a 20 percent increase in household access to the internet. In 2014, Romania specifically saw internet use increase to 60 percent. Based on this increase in internet access, global statistics show that WhatsApp, a messaging app for international communication, was the second most popular network in 2016. In this way, millions of people are using the internet to keep in contact with those they no longer see. The internet is changing lives.

While my situation does not compare to families separated abroad, even just being at school away from home is challenging when I’m not able to be with my family. However, I am thankful that I can at least instantly see and talk with them by the touch of a button. How does communication between family members living apart today compare to communication decades ago? I’m sure it consists of letters, or perhaps no communication at all. I’d like to see a timeline of how communication has changed and evolved over time as technology has advanced further and further.