Ways To Manage Your Use Of Technology

It’s a reality today that many people could not live without their precious mobile phones and other gadgets. Indeed, technology has made a great impact on people allowing them to do more things at a time, making their work easier and connecting with others in real time regardless of location.

But in this digital age that we live in, citizens of the world should not make technology their king. There has to be a certain limit in the way people makes use of these technologies to avoid any negative impact on relationships.

Technology can make or break a relationship. In the case of mobile devices, for instance, while it helps in connecting people, it can also lead to fights and worse, even divorce when their usage is not properly controlled and managed.

Research Findings

One study has confirmed that the use of laptops by a couple and not interacting with each other is linked to a couple’s negative perception of their relationship. The research entitled “The Impact of Technology Use on Couple Relationships” published in the International Journal of Neuropsychotherapy concluded that technology can improve or hinder couple relationships depending on their ability to manage, monitor and reflect on its use.

The authors noted that if couples fail to control their use of technology, their sense of safety can be compromised. However, if both spouses are aware of how they’re using technology in their lives, they can modify their behavior to avoid conflicts in their relationships.

On the other hand, couples can make an effort in using technology such that it improves their connection. As an example, they can use a laptop or other mobile device together rather than apart. This can be done while watching a movie or TV show or even playing virtual games together.

The Pew Research Center, for its part, noted that as technology (internet, cell phones and social media) have become a major part of many American couples (married and in committed relationships), some reported having issues over its use and painful experiences.

The Pew research that focused on Couples, the Internet and Social Media revealed that 74 percent of adult internet users claimed the internet had a positive impact on their marriage or partnership while 20 percent said otherwise. In terms of cell phone usage, 25 percent said they felt their spouse or partner got distracted by their cell phone when they were together while eight percent of those in a committed relationship claimed they’ve had an argument with their partner over the their time spent online.

Recommendations

Marriage counselors are one in saying that couples need to limit their use of technology especially at home if they want to maintain a sound and healthy relationship. They recognize the fact that many couples today are so engrossed with their mobile devices that they tend to forget their primary roles when at home and their priorities in real life. Some don’t listen to each other anymore, don’t focus on what the other has to say and can easily get distracted with their gadget. In short, frequent use of technology weakens the relationship and hurts others.

This being the case, couples need to agree on when not to use their mobile gadgets. It is still best to enjoy special moments with your loved ones when you’re in a gadget-free zone. By turning off your laptop or smartphone for a few hours, you will be able to focus on the present moment that you may never experience again in the future.