The Challenges In The Digital Age For Couple Relationships
Relationships have been, throughout history, a topic of great interest for human beings. Countless authors have reflected, studied and written on the subject from different perspectives and fields. However, it seems that with the arrival of new technologies, the way we relate as a couple is changing considerably.
In this article we will address different challenges that some couples may encounter in this digital age in which we live. We will talk about the difficulties in communication and the importance of social networks and their effect on privacy. In addition, we also explore aspects such as emotional disconnection and difficulty committing.
Taking this into account, many couples today depend on one form or another of digital communication to stay in touch. This fact, without a doubt, can contribute to a greater number of misunderstandings. Crucial aspects of communication related to the entire non-verbal part are lost.
Furthermore, screens distance us emotionally from other people, even if they are significant links, and this can lead us to communicate in a less empathetic, respectful and, ultimately, assertive way. At the same time, the screen gives us a certain “security” and, in this way, the likelihood of avoiding in-person conversations increases.
Finally, it is important to highlight that The digital era is characterized, among other things, by immediacy and, of course, it affects communication. On many occasions, conflicts arise due to expectations about the speed of response to messages.
In relation to social networks and privacy, there are several points to highlight. On the one hand, there may be an increase in jealousy or controlling behaviors when having easy access to the content that the couple shares about their life and their daily lives.
On the other hand, if the couple decides to expose themselves and share their relationship on social networks, comparisons with other couples can also easily be generated. Some people may feel that their relationship lacks intimacy and privacy if they show themselves excessively on the networks. Furthermore, by sharing on networks, couples expose themselves to receiving comments from others that can interfere with the relationship.
The line between what is private and what is shown in public can become very fine and lead to relationship problems.. While some people will have a greater need not to share, others may experience this as a lack of commitment or something along those lines. Some people may feel insecure if their partners do not show them on social media.
The emotional disconnection
In general terms, people tend to spend a lot of time in front of screens, making unhealthy consumption of technologies. This fact can interfere with many aspects of our lives and, of course, our relationship is one of them. Investing a lot of time in technology can decrease the quality time we spend as a couple.
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for technology to be present when we spend time with our significant others. This fact can lead us to have more superficial communicationless profound, leading to distractions, misunderstandings and even the loss of significant moments.
Furthermore, living in the digital age, immersed in the use of technology, can lead us to overexposure to information and consequent emotional desensitization. Therefore, it is crucial to be able to dedicate quality time to your couple in which technology and distractions have no place. The practice of presence and mindfulness can be allies.
The difficulty of commitment in the digital age
The culture of consumerism, immediacy and the need to feel constantly stimulated can make it very difficult to find a person with whom we want to build a project for the future and invest the necessary resources in said project. It seems that interpersonal relationships are becoming more and more like products.
Many people have difficulty staying in relationships when their expectations are not met and, instead of working to repair and continue building the bond, they decide to continue exploring other options. It is clear that we should not maintain relationships when there are dynamics of abuse and mistreatment, but it is also true that, currently, there are many difficulties in committing and building.
Besides, easy access to meeting other people can also weaken commitment in the relationship since they are a source of constant gratification and stimulation. Undoubtedly, this fact can erode the couple’s relationship in the medium-long term. Likewise, it could be considered that the use of technologies is also a new window to other ways of committing infidelities and maintaining dysfunctional and harmful dynamics.
