Technology impacts virtually ever part of our lives. The impact on relationships is complicated because it can affect them in both positive and negative ways. What are those ways, you ask? Well, let’s take a look!
Content Summary
Positive Impact On Relationships
First, lets look at the good things about technology when it comes to relationships. It may seem like most of the news regarding mental health and technology is negative, but there are some great benefits to your well-being and relationships as well.
Integrating Technology
People in relationships communicate in a number of ways and many of the methods that they use are technological. They may call each other on the phone, send text messages, talk via email, or use social media. The sheer number of communication methods is new to relationships, but that is not necessarily a bad thing.
When we communicate with a significant other throughout the day using different methods, it is likely to be stronger. Sure, it is important to talk face-to-face, but these other methods can lead to a more satisfying relationship and help to bridge the gap in between dates.
It is important to note that when there are problems with communication on one or more of the methods, then this may not be beneficial. In fact, poor communication is one of the aspects of a relationship that may lead it towards failure. Also, it is important to take the limitations on written communication into account because someone may unknowingly sound angry, suspicious, or indifferent when using text or email.
Technology in Couples Therapy
Technology can help with a number of things in couple’s therapy. Technology can help couples manage conflict in a healthier way. It may also help two people feel closer to one another.
Therapists have been using things like online assessments more and more as they become more comfortable using these types of technologies. This can provide more insight into a relationship that may allow the therapist to offer more unique or relevant guidance.
Therapists may also address communication methods like email or text. They may recommend certain technologies or communication methods. This is because when we are angry, we tend to say things that we do not mean. If we use text or email to communicate our feelings, we are more likely to think through the response and it can provide us with time to calm down.
Stay Connected
Technology like phones and the internet can help us stay connected despite physical distances between us. When we are away on a business trip or have to go out of town for a family emergency, we can stay in touch with our significant other.
This can be highly beneficial because it can build trust. When we are communicating with someone regularly, we are less likely to have intrusive thoughts about their dishonest actions. This may also help to build a bond because it signifies that the love for each other is stronger than the distance between us.
Negative Impact On Relationships
While there are some wonderful benefits on relationships, technology can also impact them in negative ways. Let’s look at some of those ways.
Distraction from Each Other
Technology can be a major distraction. If we are distracted by notifications or just checking your phone, then you are not in the present moment with your significant other. Not only that, but this distraction can lead to conflicts because it can be frustrating when your significant other is not paying much attention to you!
Even when we are not actively on our mobile phone or other technological device, it can be a distraction. We are so used to being able to check our phone at all times or look up things on the internet. This can cause stress and anxiety and influence our behavior around those that we care about.
In addition, we often check phones for things to do with our partner. This can take the fun and spontaneity out of a relationship. We like to have adventures, and sometimes it does not feel the same as it would without having answers to these types of questions easily accessible at all times.
Isolation
Technology can be addicting and when we begin to use technology too much, we may dismiss our healthy relationships. This is true whether it is gaming, pornography, videos, social media, or anything else. We may enjoy our online personas and relationships and can even subconsciously choose them before our in-person relationships.
We may believe that we are getting the necessary benefits from online social connections, but that is not true. It is important to connect to other people and socialize face-to-face. This can cause us to have poor mental health and to harm our relationships with the people who are actually around us for support and care.
Tips for Technology and Relationships
Since technology can be both beneficial and detrimental to your relationships, it is important that you use it in the right way if you want your relationships to succeed. First, you can use your phone to set reminders to check in on your significant other throughout the day. You can also use it to connect when you would not be able to if it weren’t for technological advances.
When you are with the person, try to give them your full attention. This may mean that you turn your phone completely off. This may be the most important thing to do in regard to technology when it comes to relationships.
Finally, avoid talking about serious problems, issues, or concerns via text or email. Save those important conversations for when you are actually with your significant other. This can go a long way towards building a strong relationship.
Conclusion
Technology can affect relationships, but this affect can be positive if we focus on the things that truly matter. Use technology for communication and to build a stronger partnership. Conversely, avoid using it to isolate yourself and make sure not to be distracted whenever you are together.
