Real Love and Social Media
Are you spending more time using your smartphone than you do interacting with your spouse and partner? Is your relationship deteriorating as you choose between real love or social media?
If so, you wouldn’t be alone
According to a Recent report71% of people say they spend more time on smartphones than they do with their loved ones. 52 percent of those polled spend three to four hours more on their phones each day than they do with their partners.
Smartphones and social media networks may not have had a significant impact on your life ten years ago, but they are likely to today. One study found that the average American clock has a 2.6 hour time difference. 5.4 hours of screen timeon their mobile devices every single day. The top 10 percent of mobile device owners who are the most heavy touch their phones an average of 5,500 times per day is even more!
This is a large portion of the problem. Technology addictionIt is actually deliberate; researchers discovered that social media networks like Facebook were purposely designed to keep you on the screen.
Regardless, your significant other is unlikely to be too thrilled if they constantly see you staring at your screen when they’re trying to have a conversation. Unsurprisingly, research suggests that 43 percent of “heavy tech users” — those who spend between five and eight hours on their phones every day — have experienced 28 percent of people who use their phones less than an hour per day have relationship problems, while only 28 percent have.
If you’re spending too much time staring at your screens and your relationships are struggling because of it, the good news is all hope isn’t lost.
You can strengthen your relationships by identifying and replacing bad habits with good ones, and speaking to a therapist if necessary.
Bad Social Media Habits That Can Ruin Your Relationships
You must first identify the bad habits in your daily life to eliminate them. If you’re racking up too much screen time when you’re with your partner or spouse, here are some of the habits that are almost certainly driving that behavior.
‘Phubbing’
When you’re hanging out with your significant other and you suddenly decide to pick up your Phone — consciously or otherwise — you’re guilty of behavior called “phubbing,” which is a portmanteau that combines phone snubbing.
Use your phone at the table
Whether you’re eating breakfast, lunch, or dinner, meals are the perfect time to catch up with your partner and ask them how their day has been or what plans they have on tap for it. If you pick up your phone during the meal, chances are your loved one won’t be too thrilled. Plus, you’re liable to get all sorts of grease and other junk on your device. Yuck!
It’s a great way to flirt with old lovers and love interest
Social media makes it possible to keep tabs on people far away via social media. A recent study found that 34% of people have used social media. Tracked an ex lover or current love interest online. If you’re the type of person who’s guilty of this behavior, your partner won’t be too happy with you when they find out.
Checking social media first thing each morning and last thing every night
Are you the type person who checks out social media before posting? Good morning to your spouse — and who checks it right before bed, too? These habits can cause problems in your relationship because your mind is often elsewhere during the intimate parts of the day.
This list is by no means complete. It should give you an idea of some of more common smartphone-induced bad habits that can cause couples to fall apart.
What are some new screen habits you can adopt to keep your relationship alive?
If you feel that too much screen time is ruining relationships, it is time to get rid of the bad habits and start anew with healthier ones.
You can delete your apps
When too much screen time is getting in the way of your relationship, there’s an easy fix: delete the apps that are commandeering the bulk of your time. If you don’t have the apps on your phone in the first place, you’re much less likely to spend time on social media when you’re with your partner.
Be more compassionate
Put yourself in your partner’s shoes: How would you feel if your significant other picked up their phone in the middle of a conversation and started ignoring you? Chances are you wouldn’t be too happy. By trying to see things from your spouse’s perspective, it can become easier to ditch your phone when you’re together since you don’t want to hurt their feelings.
Put your phone in another room
When you’re trying to have some quality alone time with your partner — whether you’re trying to cook a meal, watch some Netflix, or do a puzzle together — an easy way to make sure you don’t fall into the spell of social media is to simply put your phone in another room. When your phone is out of your arms’ reach, you can’t exactly pick it up mid-conversation.
Get a real alarmclock
According to a recent survey, 83 percent Americans use their smartphones. Use your phone as an alarmclock. If this is you, you might consider purchasing an old-fashioned alarm clock and moving it from where you sleep. You will be able to stop your phone from being read before bed and at the beginning of the day.
Are you still having trouble with screen time? Talk to a Therapist
Depending on how severe your social media addiction is it might not be enough for you to break the cycle.
Talking to a therapist may be helpful if your situation is extremely difficult. Marriage counseling or couples counseling to overcome the social media-induced challenges you’re facing as a couple. The right therapist will be able to help you navigate your problems and figure out a solution that’s amicable to both you and your partner.
Remember that social media is addictive. When your real relationships are suffering because of it, it’s time to Find a therapistWho can help prioritize important relationships over screen time?
The GoodTherapy Registry might be of help to you. We have thousands upon thousands of therapists who are available to help you on your journey. Get the support you need now!
Here’s to breaking the cycle and build stronger, more resilient relationships because of it.
Recovery Treatment Centers (RTCs), which offer addiction treatment, are available. Find the right option for you by using the GoodTherapy RTC Directory.
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