The Negative Effects of Technology on Relationships

If you are wondering about the negative effects of technology, we might have relationship advice that might help you. Our lives are almost impossible with the use of tech and various gadgets, and sometimes people feel addicted to it. But the main problem is that it can make us feel distant and away from our family and partners. Sex and technology are connected, and there but there are a couple of things that might help you along the way. 

Don’t worry. We don’t claim that technological improvements are bad and that you need to go full Amish to be happy.

In the Bedroom

Advances in technology are more than welcome. All of us are delighted whenever we get our hands on new tech, and there are so many exciting things to explore. But not every place is the right one for technology and gadgets. One of the first zones that might need to be technology-free is the bedroom. People often get distracted, and they start living in the online world too much. It’s not rare to see people holding their smartphones whenever they go, and the bedroom is not a safe place for this either. 

Many people are guilty of using various gadgets before sleep, and it can have a negative impact on your life and your relationship. Usually, night time should be reserved for sleeping, and looking at your screen before sleep is not the best idea. 

There is no secret that social networks and video games are addictive, and you might want to ask yourself whether you’re spending too much time on your cell phone. Of course, we are not saying that new tech is bad and that satan made it to tempt us. We just say that there is a time and place for everything, and you might want to focus on your partner if you are in the bedroom with them instead of looking at your phone. 

The primary reason why this is important is that your partner might feel like they are not worth your attention or that they did something wrong. They should never feel like a piece of equipment, so be sure that when you are with them, you dedicate all of yourself to them.  

At the Table

We live busy lives. There are so many things to do every day and so many things to learn. Regardless of what your interests are, you can find all of them online. And it is more than tempting to try to squeeze all information at once. The ideal part of the day for it is during lunch, or that’s what many believe. 

But smartphones shouldn’t be anywhere near your table. It is perfectly fine to check on news, emails, social media, and anything else if you are alone. But if your partner is having lunch with you, your attention should be towards them. 

Having a meal together is important. There is so much intimacy to it, and you should use this time to catch up with them. Ask them how they spent their day, what’s on their mind, etc. 

It is rather similar to the time spent in the bedroom. We understand how challenging it may be. There are a variety of things you can do with your phone, and there is a chance that you don’t have enough time during the day to check your phone. But remember that having a meal with your significant other is no time to stare at your phone or any other piece of technology (unless it’s used for cooking). 

The main problem with social media is that you can send a message to nearly anyone in just a few seconds. We all love talking with our friends, taking photos, and whatnot. But all of that will make your partner feel like crap. Once again, turn your focus towards them. They are the ones you’re spending time with, and you should be there both in body and mind. 

Around Family Members

Intimate relationships are not the only forms of relationships you need to protect. There is also your family. The impact of technology can affect them as well, especially if there are kids involved. 

There is a significant generation gap today between parents and their children. Older people grew up without any gadgets, and they can’t understand why people are not fond of talking face to face. 

At the same time, younger people got used to technology all around them. Using smartphones, tablets, laptops, and anything else is trivial to us, and we don’t even think about how dependent we are. Just think about the last time your internet went off. You probably had no idea what to do at home. 

And the same thing applies to kids as well. If they grew up surrounded by technology, they became dependent on it. Many people complain about how kids today have no idea how to play if there is no tablet around them. Furthermore, 6 out of 10 parents are concerned about how tech is influencing their relationship with kids. 

The most important thing here is to find a middle ground. Technology is not the devil. It is important, and it is essential. But people need to learn to live offline and to spend time with their friends and family. 

The Solution

Talk to your partner. If you are having trouble putting your phone down, talk to them, and let them help you. You are in this together, and only together can you overcome this issue. Think of the different ways they can assist you. One of the options is to find a “safe-word,” and they can say it whenever you get carried away. 

Another option is to think of different activities that you can do together. Take a trip, walk together, do sports, play games, cook, go to a museum, or do any other thing you can enjoy with your partner.

You can always create a device-free hour. Of course, there is a chance that you might experience withdrawal symptoms, but you can always start small. Start with twenty minutes and gradually increase the time. During this period, neither you nor your partner is allowed to touch your phones or electronic devices. 

When it comes near bedtime, turn off your notifications at least half an hour before you go to bed. That way, no alerts will bother you, and you will spend some quality time with your partner. 

All in all, focus on being present. Smartphones can make us go into auto-pilot mode, and it probably happened to you that you found yourself in a situation where you couldn’t remember what you did before. So, try living in the moment. Spen time with your partner, both mentally and physically. If that seems complicated, you can always try out meditation. Anything that will help you get more connected with your significant other will be more than helpful.