Technology Ruining Your Love Life? – The Pros and Cons of Digital Relationship
In a world of ever-changing innovation and advancements in technology, it’s no wonder our relationships are being affected in both good and bad ways.
The tech world can have a strong impact on your love life. In more ways than you might think.
Are you in a relationship, but you’re snuggled up with your smartphone on a Saturday night? You might be missing out on something great with your partner.
On the other hand, texting and tweeting from your tablet or downloading the latest dating app is a great way to meet new people. You can use these resources to start a fresh relationship.
Finding the Balance
Digital relationships are a reflection of where we are in the world of technology. They have changed the way we interact with one another.
Finding a balance between the “real world” and the digital universe is the best way to go. But, we constantly surround ourselves with different digital platforms.
Needless to say, finding that balance is easier said than done.
So, it’s important to know the advantages and disadvantages of digital relationships. It’s also a good idea to know what you can do to make the “cons” better for yourself and your love life.
Pro: Social Media Can Strengthen Your Relationship
There’s a common misconception that we’re replacing face-to-face interaction with digital interaction.
For the most part, that simply isn’t true. In some cases, it can actually embolden us.
You might feel more comfortable saying hello to someone you find attractive or setting up a coffee date through a social media message opposed to doing so in person. It can be a great icebreaker.
Many people who spend a lot of time online also spend a fair amount of time in social settings. This includes places like coffee shops, bookstores, etc. They aren’t ‘hiding’ away from the world just because they’re taking advantage of social media.
Instead, they’re out and about and certainly not afraid to meet new people or invest in a relationship.
Con: Digital Distraction
The average time an adult in the U.S. spends on their phone each day will reach over three hours in 2018. That number will undoubtedly increase even more over the next several years.
Smartphones are extremely useful. But, they’re also a major cause of “digital distraction.”
If you’re already in a relationship, spending too much time on your phone or other forms of digital media can be a drawback.
If you only spend two hours a day with your partner and more than three hours on your phone, which is more important to you?
The worst part? We often don’t think about our heavy phone usage because it tends to be in bits and pieces throughout the day.
Try keeping track of how many hours you spend looking at your phone each day. There are even apps available so you can track your time easily. For many people, the results are often a real eye-opener.
If you put down the digital device and focus that time on your relationship instead, you could see some big communication improvements with your partner.
Pro: Technology Breaks Down Distance Barriers
When you’re in a relationship, you may not get to spend as much time with your significant other as you would like.
Maybe you live in different cities (or states). Perhaps other responsibilities keep you apart on a regular basis. Whatever the case, technology can help to bridge that gap.
Social media, texting, video chatting, and so many other digital platforms allow you to stay connected to your partner even when you’re miles apart.
This type of digital connection can keep a relationship strong and stable, instead of having to go long periods of time without regular communication.
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So, is technology a good thing or a bad thing when it comes to romantic relationships?
It really all depends on how you use it.
Rather than letting digital platforms serve as a distraction, use them to strengthen communication and build stronger, more meaningful relationships.
