Smartphones can strengthen your relationship by allowing you to stay connected, share information and seek support. However, excessive phone usage can be harmful to your relationship.
Consider establishing cell phone rules every couple has to follow. Snooping, glancing over your boo’s shoulder, and checking notifications mid-conversation can hurt trust and lead to suspicion.
They Make Communication Easy
Phones make it easy to stay connected with friends and family no matter where you are. You can send and receive emails, share photos, schedule appointments and even video chat with people on the other side of the world.
Unfortunately, it’s also easy to get caught up in the moment and turn your attention away from those right in front of you. It’s not uncommon to see people at dinner, a party or other social gatherings reaching for their phones to check messages, update Facebook or Twitter, or show off pictures. This behavior is called phubbing and it can cause disconnection in relationships.
Having a conversation about smartphone usage can help you and your partner establish clear expectations for your relationship. A recent study found that just having a cell phone in the room during a conversation can interfere with a partner’s ability to sense and accept their partner’s “bids” for affection, connection and support.
They Make It Easy to Reach Out to Customers
Cell phones help us make long distance business calls, keep track of field staff, and make sales quickly and efficiently. They also facilitate the collection of data for surveying purposes, whether through very simple ‘dumb phones’ that allow respondents to text a response (‘text 1 for yes, 2 for no’) or via smartphones with more sophisticated interfaces designed to help enumerators answer open-ended questions.
In addition, cellphones provide easy access to social media and can exacerbate problems in real-life friendships. People who have a problem with phubbing are always looking at their phones during social gatherings or even while in the middle of conversations with friends and family members, which can cause them to feel like their friends are ignoring them.
Though other channels are growing in popularity, the phone is still a key part of many companies’ customer support strategy. It offers an opportunity for empathetic customer service, which is one way to build loyal customers.
They Make It Easy to Share Information
Cell phones enable us to quickly share information in a variety of ways, which can be helpful. They make it easy to find directions, manage a to-do list or track your health. However, they can also isolate you from the people around you by focusing your attention on something virtual. This is known as phubbing and it can be damaging to your relationships.
The more often couples are interrupted by one of them checking their phone, the less satisfied they are with their relationship overall. When a partner feels they are being ignored, they may withdraw from the relationship, leading to feelings of rejection and isolation.
To avoid phubbing, put your phone on silent and leave it in your purse or pocket during meals with family and friends. If you must use it at work or for other responsibilities, be sure to communicate this with your partner so they are not surprised when you are distracted.
They Help You Stay Connected
When you have a relationship, phone addiction can be problematic. When a loved one checks their phone in the middle of a conversation, it can feel like they’re choosing their device over you. This is called phubbing and can cause a rift in relationships.
Many people also use their phones to distract themselves during social gatherings, causing them to disconnect from their immediate surroundings. This can leave family members feeling ignored and disrespected.
While there are certainly positive aspects of cell phones, they can be bad for your relationships if you’re not careful. If you find yourself constantly checking your phone, it’s time to reassess your usage and set limits. Many couples find that establishing technology free zones and banning phones from the dinner table or bedroom help foster a healthier relationship. If you have a problem with smartphone addiction, consider talking to a professional. A therapist can help you develop a plan to break the habit.