The Pros And Cons Of Technology And Relationships

Technology plays a very prevalent role in modern society. Technology's dominance in our everyday lives touches not only work, business, and travel but also relationships. In today's age, people can meet one another online and carry on entire conversations before ever coming face to face with one another. However, technology may interfere with those conversations, as well.

The existence of social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, has paved the way for various connections and relationships. Dating websites such as Tinder are also regularly used by people interested in finding love in non-traditional manners. How modern-day relationships are approached has been largely influenced by the existence of information technology. Ahead, we’ll discuss the different ways in which technology can impact relationships, for better or worse.

A quick word on modern technology

While technology's crossover with relationships does come with some inherent pros and cons, it's important to remember that technology in and of itself is not evil. Ultimately, technology is a tool that can be employed for both various means. Modern technology has added some benefits to society, but it's also come with some drawbacks. How communication technology is employed for relationship purposes will ultimately determine whether or not the technology itself yields positive or negative results. But what cannot be refuted is that it has a significant impact on relationships.

In recent years, various individuals have raised questions about whether technology disconnects human beings from one another or actually strengthens relationships. Of course, there are applications like FaceTime, Skype, etc., but there are also concerns about whether individuals are losing the ability to connect without devices. On the other hand, many relationships have come into inception due to technology and various dating and social networking platforms.

The impact of technology in relationships will ultimately depend upon who is using technology and their specific endgames.

The pros of technology and relationships

There are (at least) two sides to every story. For quite some time now, the adverse impacts of technology in modern-day relationships have gained attention; positive impacts and upsides are less commonly discussed, giving a skewed perception of technology and its potential for improving society. Understanding the pros of technology and relationships can prove advantageous as people make decisions about their lives and strengthen their relationships.

Enabling stronger relationships

Technology often gets a bad rap for reducing the quality of human interactions and relationships. However, in many instances, technology brings people closer together and strengthens relationships. This is seen when two people meet one another online and then later go out in person for coffee, dinner, or drinks. 

In many cases, certain internet platforms allow people to meet with individuals they would never encounter if not for technology. People need to understand that the impact of technology comes with the power to strengthen and foster relationships amongst willing individuals.

Forging professional connections

In recent years, freelance work and the gig economy have gained traction and attention from the mainstream media due to the impact of technology. Freelance work and individuals who can build entire careers from working online are direct offshoots of technology. Individuals who need certain services can post ads on job boards or freelance platforms, such as Upwork, Fiverr, etc. 

Online jobs related to technology are also on the rise on these freelancing websites. If ongoing work is necessary, both parties are allowed to remain in contact with one another. In freelancing, professional relationships are imperative to success, a dynamic that has only come about due to technology.

Overcoming distance-related barriers

In previous times, when people wanted to maintain relationships despite the distance, their options were limited. Writing letters was one of the very few options; now, being thousands of miles apart does not have to stop individuals who truly want to be in contact with one another. Facebook, Instagram, Skype, FaceTime, and so many other platforms provide opportunities for people to remain connected in real-time, improving technology on relationships.

Preparing for the future

Technology's influence on our everyday lives is not going away; in fact, it's increasing as various forms of artificial intelligence are developed and integrated into society, causing a greater effect of technology on relationships. 

The cons of technology and relationships

The pros of technology and relationships are undeniable; however, there are still certain drawbacks that people should be cognizant of how technology can harm your life. The drawbacks of technology in relationships don't necessarily mean that individuals should abstain from using technology altogether; nevertheless, information about downsides can help people learn what they should and shouldn't do. Knowing the mistakes others have made can truly ensure that everyone doesn't have to learn certain lessons the hard way.

Internet addiction

Too much of a good thing is almost always problematic, and technology is no exception to this rule. For as much as technology can improve lives, too much intake also has the power to ruin lives. Forming relationships solely related to technology can provide a false sense of intimacy since it becomes very easy for people to lie about who they are. To this day, many individuals are living with addictions to technology in one form or another, whether it's video games, YouTube, or other social networking sites.

Spending a fair amount of time on these platforms is one thing, but when technology begins to interfere with individuals' abilities to engage with others in the real world, this is when issues arise. For as much good as technology can do, it should never become so powerful in someone's life that they are psychologically dependent upon it.

Avoidance of real-life interactions

Another drawback of technology comes when people employ it as a means to avoid having real-life conversations. Technology can interfere with having face-to-face conversations, allowing people to remain distant, ignoring or blocking people altogether when uncomfortable topics come up. 

This occurs more commonly than most individuals can imagine; sometimes, it's easier to type a passive-aggressive message than sit down with someone and have a face-to-face conversation, even if it's not the easiest conversation. Steering clear of uncomfortable interactions in real life may seem harmless, but in most cases, it can be problematic later down the line.

There is a certain emotional detachment that comes along with using technology to avoid certain aspects of face-to-face relationships. This emotional detachment can lead to rudeness or outright dismissal. When someone doesn't have to sit down with someone and see their facial expressions, nonverbal clues, etc., it's easier to make statements that they wouldn't make in person.

Lack of focus

Technology is an ideal tool for individuals who enjoy multitasking, which could be considered one of the ways technology has helped us be more productive. In certain circumstances, this can be beneficial, but there are times were dividing your attention across multiple matters can lead to cracks and missed details. People can easily open up their laptops and have multiple tabs open, including work emails, Facebook, and funny videos on YouTube. 

By splitting one's attention across multiple areas, certain relevant details can go missing, thus leading to unintended consequences later down the line. This is not guaranteed in all cases, but it's certainly possible that individuals should be aware of as they use technology.

Distraction from real life

Complaints about people using their phones or tablets at inopportune times, such as dinner, meetings, etc., are almost universal pet peeves. Sometimes, individuals can become so preoccupied with checking the news or reading their Google alerts that they neglect the relationships and people outside their scenes. This is inherently problematic and can certainly lead to fractured relationships if the behavior is habitual.

How to make the most of technology

Knowing the pros and cons of technology is certainly relevant in current times. However, it often goes unmissed that everyone is responsible for their own experiences and outcomes. The positive impacts that one person has from technology will not apply to someone who misuses technology or uses it in a manner that isn't conducive to their well-being. 

Likewise, an individual who uses technology to further themselves professionally will have a different outcome from a person who has an addiction to social media. It’s all dependent on the ways technology is used.

Ultimately, you are responsible for determining your outcome. Being aware of the many ways in which technology can help or harm your relationships may prove to be valuable as you move throughout the world. Like all tools, technology can reap great benefits or tragic consequences. It is important to know how technology interferes with your daily interactions with other people and nip it in the bud before it gets worse.

When seeking professional help can be of value

If your relationships are struggling or you are looking for support in some other area of your life, you may find that signing up for online therapy with Regain can truly be of service. Ironically, online therapy with Regain is one of the major pros associated with technology and relationships. 

Through online therapy platforms like Regain, you can meet with a licensed therapist at convenient times and from preferred locations, providing you have a secure internet connection. In this way, using online therapy taps into several of the advantages that technology offers. Namely, there’s no need to travel to a far-away in-person therapist’s office to attain support. Being able to meet from your desired location means that you may be more able to maximize your efficiency.

Several studies have confirmed online therapy’s effectiveness in treating a host of mental health conditions, including addiction to the internet, social media, or gaming. In one recent study, practitioners set out to evaluate the effectiveness of an online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention for internet addiction. 128 participants completed the twelve weekly sessions, and results showed that over 95% were able to manage their symptoms. Additionally, 78% sustained recovery six months post-treatment, indicating that online therapy can be a highly effective intervention for internet addiction.

Counselor reviews

If you’re interested to hear from people who have had positive experiences with online therapy, consider reading reviews of Regain counselors below.

"My experience with Priscilla has been immensely helpful in better understanding myself and providing me with the tools to see my life and relationships with more clarity and compassion."

“Austa has been wonderful thus far. She has helped my partner and I during an unimaginably difficult time... She has also guided us in communicating effectively and setting appropriate boundaries in our relationship. I was hesitant to pursue counseling at the beginning, but I truly believe that it is making a difference for our relationship. Austa is easy to talk to and she is a great listener. I would wholeheartedly recommend her as a counselor.”

Takeaway

Working with an online therapist does not mean that you will never face hardships or tough times. However, it does mean that you will have a professional in your corner. No matter who you are or what you may be going through – from trying to reconnect with your partner when you both have busy schedules to overcoming body dysmorphia issues related to social media filtering -- your online therapist will have your best interests at heart. So many individuals have benefited from seeking online therapy and gaining the tools to improve the quality of their lives. When you’re ready, you can reach out to a licensed therapist at Regain and start working toward your goals.