Technology actually helps family attain more free time and improve their ties, according to a recent large survey by O2, the UK mobile phone company.

"The research revealed that the increase in communications, thanks to mobile, email and social networks, makes the organization of family affairs easier. And, in freeing up the day for the family to spend quality time together, technology plays a positive part in fostering family ties."

Of course, you would expect a phone company to say so, but it fits my observations, and ways of working. A bit of email each day even while ostensibly on vacation keeps me in touch with work.

O2 found a high level of spending on tech and families don't want to cut back on broadband, even in a recession.

"And anecdote suggests that more people prefer to be able to keep on top of things at work when they are away rather than return to a stack of problems, even if that does mean 10 minutes a day answering emails on holiday."

Rather reassuring.