The Mobile Phone Love Affair

Cheating is dynamic

“Hold on one sec. Let me send this text.”

How many times have we heard this from a significant other across the dinner table?

Mobile devices are one of the most popular forms of communication. Talking through cell phones and the internet can be good because they can help people have meaningful relationships with those who live far away.

However, research shows that cell phones interrupt face-to-face interactions (FTFI) in relationships and can make conversations less meaningful.

Technoference is a large problem with young adults who are dependent on their smartphones.

While technology can be helpful in relationships, this article will talk about two ways it can be harmful and how to avoid them.

PROBLEM 1

Relationship Conflicts

Phone conversations between partners affects FTFI and can lead to more relationship conflict.

Partners can feel stressed when their significant other chooses to focus on their cell phone instead of each other. This can result in the partner responding with harsh reactions, not feeling understood, or a feeling of distrust.

Partners with FTFI can have higher levels of happiness and satisfaction. This explains why an interruption can be harmful in the relationship.

Smartphone interference can cause problems or changes the attitude in the relationship.

Studies show the largest source of conflict is when couples’ happiness levels are less due to interrupted FTFI. Conflict in the relationship can be unhealthy, making conflict from cell phone usage potentially unhealthy.

SOLUTION

Healthy, open communication helps partners overcome conflict in relationships from cell phones. Research shows that when couples have open and available communication, they have less feelings of distress and more mental resilience.

PROBLEM 2

Alone Togetherness

“Alone togetherness” can make people unhappy in their relationships.

This term is used to describe times when people are in the same room, but they are distracted by their phones. However, there are different levels of alone togetherness . A mild example of alone togetherness is when someone finds his or her partner answering messages during a conversation. A moderate example would be if someone gets distracted once or multiple times because they are on a cell phone.

Being on a phone while talking to your partner can lead to unhappiness in the relationship. It can also lead to less meaningful conversations or being more connected with your cell phone than to your partner.

SOLUTION

Research shows that trust, intimacy, and confidence must be present in order to have meaningful times with romantic partners. To ease this situation and create a safe place for relationships, partners can set aside daily time to unplug and recharge the relationship. They can put their phones on airplane mode, turn them off, or leave them in another room for a time. To build trust, intimacy, and confidence, partners should put their partner first and put their phones down.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Mobile phones and relationship problems are not unrelated. Mobile phones ruining marriages are more common than we realize at times. We treat ourselves as an exception and let our vices get the best of us.

You must understand that your phone keeps you connected to work and distant friends and relatives— but can isolate you from the one you love most.

By learning to power down and tune in to your partner, you’ll experience a stronger, more lasting relationship.

Don’t let it become a cautionary tale about “how cellphone use can disconnect your relationship” and learn some restraint and enjoy the company of your loved ones.

Thank you