HOW SCREEN USE AFFECTS RELATIONSHIPS

In today's modern age, we are always surrounded by screens, whether they are smartphones, laptops, tablets, TVs, or other electronic devices - there is no escape. Although the screens have made our lives easier in so many ways, they have also had a significant impact on our relationships. Let's think about how screen use affects relationships and offer some tips on how we can lessen these effects. 

Screen use can reduce communication. 

Perhaps the main way that screens affect relationships is by reducing opportunities for communication. If we spend too much time on our devices, we tend to tune out our surroundings, and our partners and perhaps ignore their needs. This leads to feelings of neglect and frustration and can cause our partners to feel undervalued. 

To reduce this effect, it is vital that you set aside some dedicated time to communicate with your partner. This will mean putting your screens away and focusing solely on them.

This might be a daily check-in at the end of the day or maybe a weekly date night, where all electronic devices are switched off.  

Screen use can lead to distraction. 

I think we can all agree that screen use affects relationships by causing distraction. If we are constantly checking our phones or scrolling through our social media, we are not fully present in the moment, not fully present with our partners. This may cause us to miss out on important moments and opportunities for connection. To combat this effect, it is important to set boundaries around screen use. This might mean turning off notifications at certain times of the day or perhaps turning off devices during meals or other shared activity times. It is vital to communicate these boundaries with our partners so that they know when we are fully present and available for them. 

Screen use can lead to misunderstandings. 

Finally, screens can lead to misunderstandings in relationships. If we rely too heavily on texting and other forms of digital communication, we miss out on the important nuances – the non-verbal cues which help us to understand our partners’ emotions and needs. This can lead to miscommunication and hurt feelings. How often have you sent a text that is misunderstood? Your tone not being clear through the written word alone… In order to avoid misunderstandings, it is important that you make time for face-to-face communication wherever possible. If in-person communication is not possible, it is important that you consider using video calls or voice calls to ensure that you can pick up on non-verbal cues. It is also important to clarify any misunderstandings as soon as they arise to avoid further confusion.  

I think we can all agree that over-dependence on our devices can have a significant impact on our relationships. If we are confident in setting boundaries around screen use and prioritising communication, making time for in-person connection, we can lessen these effects and go on to build stronger, healthier relationships with our partners.