1 in 4 Couples will ruin their summer holidays and relationships due to social media addiction
The one thing that has led to more arguments in any of my relationships is the use of mobile phones. Using mobile phones in bed is a pet hate of mine that I am probably guilty of myself. Then there’s your other half talking to people when you are both in bed. Checking messages before you get into bed. It kills any romance or sexy time and of course, your attention isn’t fully with that person.
So when a new survey came out revealing that too much time spent checking social media whilst on holiday could result in arguments. Even complete relationship breakdowns for couples this summer, we really are not surprised.
Too much time spent checking social media could result in relationship breakdowns for couples this summer
BROOKMAN FAMILY LAW FIRM
The online survey of over 1000 married individuals* was commissioned by London-based family law firm Brookman last month. It revealed that many expected their partner to take work calls or emails whilst on holiday. Yet their biggest frustration came from their partner’s often constant use of social media.
Although over half of respondents said their partner had sent an email or made a work-related phone call during a holiday. Over a third said their partner often takes a laptop or phone with them on holiday. Almost 80% felt that their partner had actually had a good work-life balance.
The issue of being ‘physically present’, but ‘emotionally distant’ is a growing problem for couples.
However, when it came to their use of social media on holiday, the results showed a very different story. Over 60% said their partner checked social media at least once a day whilst on holiday. A quarter said that their partner checked emails or social media several times a day. A further 2.6% stating ‘10x + a day’ and 6.8% saying ‘all the time’. Over a quarter of participants said they felt frustrated or angry that their partner wasn’t engaged, or seemed ‘distracted’ whilst on holiday. Whilst online marriage counselling might seem like the obvious solution. Limiting the use of social media is the first course of action.
It is estimated that the average Internet user is now on social media and messaging services for over 2 hours per day. The issue of being ‘physically present’, but ‘emotionally distant’ is a growing problem for couples. In fact, technology addiction has been claimed to be as damaging as other addictions that have traditionally been considered as severely detrimental to a relationship, such as alcoholism and drug addictions. More alarmingly, excessive use of social media is now being used as grounds for divorce.
‘Emotionally distant’ is a growing problem for couples‘Emotionally distant’ is a growing problem for couples
Brookman commissioned the survey to explore this area further after noticing a rise in the number of people who were including excessive use of technology in their divorce petition statements.
Senior Partner, Henry Brookman, says, ‘Addiction to technology is a growing problem for couples, as people spend more time in ‘virtual relationships’ with friends, followers and even complete strangers. Unfortunately, we are seeing a rise in the number of people who consider this problem to be a contributing factor to their marriage breakdown. Often, by the time they turn to us, the problem has spiraled into an irreconcilable state, and divorce has become the only feasible option’.
Here are a few simple ways of reducing the use of technology so that your holiday is a dream and your relationship remains intact.
Leave your phone behind when going out
Where possible, don’t take your phone with you when going out for day trips or even for just a short walk to the beach. You’ll not miss anything for a couple of hours. Take a camera with you for snapping those happy memories. Your partner will value the opportunity to talk and have your full attention.
Use flight mode
If you want to take photos whilst on holiday, put your phone on ‘Flight Mode’ for short periods.You can use the usual phone, but without the risk of distraction from endless social media updates.
Short and sharp
If you really do have to check social media. Make sure you do so for only a minute or two. Definitely no more than twice a day (once in the morning and once in the evening). Most things don’t need an immediate reply, so don’t give yourself time to get caught up in unnecessary conversations whilst your partner is sat there waiting for you!
