It is commonly acknowledged that technology brings about tremendous benefits to businesses and to individuals in our wider society. Technology helps us communicate more easily and helps to improve efficiencies. There is also a downside to technology however and it will come as no surprise that the distractions it can present us with can lead to concerns. So, here we ask, is today’s technology ruining your relationship?
Addictive Technology
There is a raft of technology that could be considered to be addictive. Social media apps, for example, like Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest keep some people glued to their screens for hours on end, day in, day out.
The same could be said for computer games. It is not just younger people who are risk here, as they while away their spare time online instead of being outdoors, socialising or doing homework. Adults too play computer games and many would admit to spending too much time doing so.
The results of all this interaction can be more than a little scary – shorter attention spans, depression and exhaustion among them. In addition, it can damage relationships.
The Isolation of Technology
The technology can be all consuming and as individuals spend less and less time in the real world, their real relationships can begin to feel the pressure.
Children can lose touch with real friends and with their ability to function effectively in society. Adults may find that work is affected and that their personal relationships start to breakdown to the point at which their partner seeks the advice of divorce lawyers – they become very isolated.
Of course, it doesn’t have to be this way. There are a host of measures that people can put into place to help stop technology ruining their relationships.
Preventative Measures
If you feel that technology is having a detrimental effect on your relationships or other areas of your life, a proactive response is called for. It maybe that you are suffering from headaches, you are always irritable or that loved ones are becoming despondent.
Start by closely monitoring how much time you spend using technology and impose a cap on it – even if this means setting a timer or an alarm. Then use the time you claw back wisely. Maybe exercise more and make a concerted effort to spend more quality time with loved ones.
Technology can do wonderful things for us, but only if both we and our human relationships are healthy enough to take advantage of it.
