In a blazing survey commissioned by Intel Security, which accessed 1400 adults from across India aged between 18 “ 55+, the need for individuals to manage device usage during social interactions was highlighted.
As per the survey, we have begun using our connected devices more and more every day. On an average, adults in India spend more time online when they are home (43 percent) as they do interacting with others face-to-face (40 percent), thereby killing any possible personal interaction.
Shockingly, more than half (57 percent) of those surveyed say that they have had to compete with their partner’s device for attention on a first date. If that wasn’t enough, 60 percent of adults thought that their spouse or lover paid more attention to their device. Fortunately, about 33 percent of the surveyed reported to have set some device usage rules when they are with their partner.
Now comes the most bizarre parts, nearly half (46 percent) of the couples interviewed had shared passwords to their social media accounts. 35 percent of people let their partner use their work specific devices and accounts, thereby risking confidential work information.
Phubbing
While the numbers are dreadful, it just goes to prove that nothing can seemingly sabotage a relationship more than pulling out your smartphone when with your partner. Recently, researchers even coined the term ‘phubbing’ which indicates the act of getting snubbed due to smartphone use.
If you though that this would not have any implications, then you are mistaken. Research shows that couples reported higher levels of conflict due to smartphone usage when together which in resulted in decreased levels of relationship satisfaction, thereby causing depression in general.
Putting an end to smartphone addiction
Set a ‘no phone’ time: Difficult as it may sound, you won’t die if you don’t touch your phone. Set aside a fixed time everyday where you do not touch you phone (unless in emergency). Spend this time with people “ your family, friends and even your pets (Resist taking a selfie).
Turn off message alerts: Remember, no award will be handed out at the end of the day for the person who responded the fastest. You can wait till the end of the day to chain forward that email you though was so funny (P.S. It never was funny). Don’t feed your message-checking habit by responding to each and every sound.
Put your phone on silent: Keep your phone on silent when around your family or with your friends. Not everyone is eagerly standing next to you to hear your shrill ringtone. Also it goes without saying that its terrible manners to check the phone when someone is speaking to you. Best leave it in the pocket or the bag.
Don’t take your phone to bed: Not only will you get distracted from your loved one but also you might have problems sleeping “ the bright blue light emitted by your smartphone display stops the production of the melatonin hormone which would cause sleeping troubles. Also the first thing after waking up shouldn’t be to check your phone. Your life is better than that, learn to appreciate it.
Break your phone: If nothing else works, just do it. Smash it. Stomp on it till it shatters and kills the monster subconsciously controlling you. No, we’re kidding. Instead of breaking your phone, you could just switch it off.
So this Valentine’s Day don’t let the smartphone come between you and your loved one! Let your love be more than just a cute gif.
- Jonathan Pereira is a technology enthusiast with a keen eye for mobile and mobile technology. He’s a foodie by heart, and loves both the edible chips and the non-edible silicon chips. Find him on twitter @GoanIdle
