Scholars are increasingly interested in the implications of technology use for everyday life. While studies exist that document the rapid adoption of computers and the Internet by Americans, little is known about technology usage patterns over time, the processes generating use, and the non-work consequences of technology use (Papadakis & Collins, 2001). Further, few studies examine the potential for family members to influence one another's use of new technologies or consider that technology adoption may be part of a family-level strategy for managing information and communication. This study analyzes a unique couple-level, longitudinal dataset (n= 1,425 individuals; n= 581 couples) to provide evidence about technology usage patterns over time, the factors that predict use of computer and communications technology, and the consequences of computer and communications technology use for individual well-being and satisfaction with a partner and family. In addition, the focus on technology use by members of dual-earner couples offers an opportunity to assess whether technology adoption results from the family and employment needs of working adults. Gender differences in technology use are also analyzed. Qualitative data obtained from focus groups and interviews are also analyzed to better understand the reasons for and ways of using new computing and communications technology. Results suggest that while a general trend towards adoption and use of email, the Internet, cell phones, and pagers over time is in place, this trend is stronger for some technologies (email/the Internet) than others (cell phones/pagers). Second, characteristics associated with use can differ by gender and for computing versus communications technologies, with work characteristics consistently more important predictors of use than family characteristics. Third, technology use tends to be an individual-level, rather than a couple-level phenomenon. Further, qualitative data suggest that use is playing a role in altering family routines and strategies. Finally, persistent cell phone and pager use only is linked to increases in negative affect in men and to decreases in family satisfaction in women via increases in negative forms of work/family spillover.