A smartphone is a modern day distraction as it is taken everywhere, demanding attention multiple times a day. Whether it’s a phone call, a snapchat story, a Facebook and Instagram notification or someone retweeting your tweets.
A Saudi husband shared his story how conversations between him and his wife were replaced with endless scrolling through social media apps or constant messaging. He commented that smartphones in time raised a barrier between them. They talked to each other less and less, focusing their attention more on their smartphones.
“My wife started to prioritize the virtual world over me. She clicked pictures of food to post them on Instagram and Facebook, rather than relishing it and enjoying the moment,” he said, adding “I felt I was competing with the phone for my wife’s attention.”
Although he warned his wife about how their discussions turned into fight and daily arguments, she ignored everything, ruining their relationship. On the brink of divorce, the wife consulted a therapist and the couple is finally hopeful the relationship will get better.
Similarly, many couples complained about how smartphones are getting in the way of their relationships. “We have enduringly occupied in our digital lives and as a result, we lose many moments of wonders that can never return.
A friend of mine left her husband, thinking that he had an affair, when he started to spend more time on mobile. Since the conversation becomes less, partners suffer from trust deficit and show less empathy,” said Gadeer Rehman, a housewife.
Several marriage counsellors said that mobile phones have turned a huge part of everyone’s life, but couples should be careful not to overuse them as it can bring negative outcomes in personal life and affect their relationships and lead to conflict.
“It is important that couples these days are aware that if they don’t allow technology to affect or interrupt their activities or conversations, be it unintentional or brief moments, it might ruin their marital life. Most of the fight between couples is due to miscommunication and attention problems,” said Dr. Sara, a therapist.
According to the study, being on smartphone all the time reduces the attention 70 percent and turns children or adults inconsiderate.
Usually an attention disorder creates high levels of distress among couples and is likely to lead to divorce. Although consulting a therapist is considered taboo in the Kingdom, it is important that couples having marital issues seek professional help to resolve problems and help them regain lost interest in each other.
