As technology continues to grow in importance in the average home, families are adapting that technology—creating new opportunities for moms, dads and kids to spend time together. According to a recent study reported by eMarketer, nearly half of families—47 percent—say they see technology as a “great way to connect as a family” and sometimes build family time around it. Another 20 percent say they could spend more time using technology together, while still another third say tech is pretty much an individual pastime in their home and is likely to stay that way. Family tech time is growing ever more important, considering the pervasive influence of technology: Another study cited by eMarketer (this one conducted by the Sesame Workshop) found that 93 percent of families with kids own a computer, 88 percent have a television set, 80 percent use a video game system, and 79 percent have at least one smartphone (up from 56 percent in just two years). Tablet use among families is also on the rise: 43 percent of families reportedly own one, up from 8 percent in 2010. (eMarketing.com)

Paul Asay has covered religion for The Washington Post, Christianity Today, Beliefnet.com and The (Colorado Springs) Gazette. He writes about culture for Plugged In and wrote the Batman book God on the Streets of Gotham (Tyndale). He lives in Colorado Springs with wife, Wendy, and two children. Follow him on Twitter.