Today, it’s hard to imagine a family without at least one piece of technology in their house. Technologies help us clean, cook, wash clothes and dishes, stay in touch with our friends and family, bring the bacon home, whatnot. They save us a lot of time that we can invest in self-development and communication with our dearest ones.
No doubt, technologies have a huge positive daily impact on every human being. Parents can always be aware of what is going on with their children, couples can support their relationships even in the distance, while large communities have an opportunity to grow, develop, and prosper even if they are located in different corners of the planet. Technologies expose us to the utopian world where we can become better and enjoy life…
It’s just we can’t. As it usually happens, every great solution brings new problems. Technologies designed to connect, divide families. Those brought to relax and unwind, increase tension and aggression. While tech solutions that supposedly should help us have more free time for something important, make us lazy and passive.
This is the realistic view on the pros and cons of modern technologies and their impact on families’ well-being.
How Modern Technological Advancements Influence Couples
When it comes to arising problems between partners, not the dishwasher is the stumbling rock (although sometimes it is).
Computers and smartphones are like Nokia once – connecting people. There are many positive features the spouses can benefit from.
A lunch break call to say “I love you”? Easy!
A video of the baby’s first steps while your sweetheart is away from home? Done!
A romantic evening with wine, candles, and a good movie on your laptop? Yes, please!
At the same time, smartphones and computers are so firmly embedded in our lives that often it’s easy to confuse who is the real beloved one. We stare into the screens at the table, constantly check new messages and notifications, and swipe the feed in bed. Statistically, 5 of 10 adults suffer from tech addiction, which often becomes the last nail in the coffin to bury the marriage.
Some are unhappy that their spouses spend too little time with the kids. Others suspect their significant others of cheating. And some are more involved in their online life than in communicating with each other.
It is not that common to talk about video gaming problems among adults, but they exist and they destroy families. Right now, one of our readers is going through the tough process of filing for divorce in Wyoming to cut ties with her gamer partner. “I couldn’t take it anymore”, she says. “His guild even decided when he could use a bathroom!”
Tempted by the immediate reward video games offer, a lot of young able-bodied men choose unemployment and video gaming at home rather than studying, looking for a job, and working over their relationships. As the result, while they are escaping from the reality, reality slips away from them.
Technological Danger For Kids
Differently, technologies influence young immature minds. Social incompetence, aggression, low self-esteem, and even depression are the consequences of reckless child exposure to the technologies.
For a kid, there is no better way to distract from crying and yelling than a colorful and fun cartoon on a tablet or a smartphone. Once a child starts acting up, parents toss them their devices with bright, moving pictures – to finally stop this annoying behavior and have their moment of peace. In doing so, parents are missing out a vital opportunity to connect with their children and teach them empathy and social skills. Children, used to technology as a means of distraction or reward, often struggle with managing their emotions, become snappy, and frequently lose their temper.
This creates a gap between fathers and sons, leads to misunderstanding in the family,and destroys good parent-child relationships that should be based on respect andlove. The teen family therapy will help you to maintain a h
Tech-Caused Health Outcomes
Before, people would spend time together playing outdoor games, having picnics, hiking or camping, etc. Today, computer and smartphone entertainment capture an even larger part of our daily lives. Not only do families spend less quality time together, but their health habits suffer as well.
For instance, tech-addicted people, both adults and kids, prefer staying at home. They more often make unhealthy eating choices and usually don’t feel like working out. This often leads to different health problems such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, GIT conditions, as well as weakness of the musculoskeletal system. And while some diseases may unite, others break marriages apart and turn parents against their children.
Technologies: a Blessing or a Curse?
Technologies have pros and cons. They are just the tools, after all. It’s we, the people, who decide whether to use them to create or to destroy. However, technologies pose many dangers to family relationships, and only by using them consciously can families avoid the risks.
That said, strict rules regarding technology use should be embedded in daily routine—for example, no phones at the table and two hours before bed. Couples should agree to spend more time communicating and engaging in activities together rather than swiping an Instagram feed.
For kids, it is recommended to bring in strict parental control and limited computer or smartphone time, and never use technologies to avoid parental responsibilities.
Finally, technologies are often tempting because people have nothing in common. Human relationships require hard work and a lot of commitment but it always pays off. Whether you are a parent, a partner, or both, be patient, open for communication, and don’t fear to try new things with your family. Once you find your collision points, there will be neither need nor interest in technology overuse anymore.
Sr. Morgan
Concordo plenamente. Temos que saber dividir as coisas ou seremos fatalmente afetados.