Family Joint Media Engagement

We study how children and other family members engage with everyday technologies together. Our research examines their perspectives, roles, and negotiations, with attention to how children exercise agency in shared use and creative activities. We consider family members as active participants who help shape what technology use means in their everyday lives. Our studies span creative computing, coding kits, smart voice assistants, and family communication. We examine how family members support one another, negotiate ideas and decisions when creating together, and navigate different expectations about technology.

We use these empirical insights and research syntheses to develop guidance for activities and technologies that support meaningful shared experiences. Our ongoing agenda extends to generative AI and culturally situated family practices, including the Hong Kong context. Across this work, we seek to advance understandings of joint media engagement while keeping children’s perspectives, relationships, and opportunities to influence shared experiences in view.