Technology has become a huge barrier in many marriages. Technology and marriage are sometimes at odds with one another: instead of working through issues or taking the time to talk, we take out our phones and numb our minds through endless scrolling. The smart phone has become a crutch and a distraction from what is truly important in life.
At the end of each week my phone gives me a “screen time report.” This report surprises me every single week. It shouldn’t surprise me because it is usually around the same number of hours every single week. But it does.
How is it possible that I spend four, five, six, or even seven hours a day looking at my phone? Some of those are work hours. But, if I’m honest, most of that time is spent aimlessly scrolling through social media or texting. I end up asking myself the same question every week, “How could I have used that time better or more effectively?”
Technology and marriage
My husband and I have had many conversations about how Jesus would have used technology if it was available when he lived on earth. Would he have used a smart phone? Would he have an Instagram account? Of course, there are no right or wrong answers to those questions, but I am certain that he wouldn’t have let technology take time away from his relationships.
Technology is here to stay
Technology is here to stay. Ignoring it is not the answer. The simple fact is, most people need technology to function effectively in the 21st century. With that fact in mind, I think an excellent question to ask ourselves would be how can we use technology efficiently and effectively without ruining our relationships? Technology and marriage do not have to be against each other.
Don’t forget about boundaries.
It isn’t a complicated word, but it is very difficult to implement. Technology without boundaries is an unhealthy way to live. Most parents would never let their children play video games without any boundaries, so why do we let ourselves live that way with our phones? Marriages across the country are suffering because we spend more time with our phones than we do our spouse.
Try taking a date night in the next couple weeks to discuss some healthy boundaries you can put into place in your home to keep healthy boundaries with technology.
5 Questions to start the conversation around technology and marriage
Here are some questions to get the conversation started. Remember to use this time to be vulnerable and honest with your spouse without taking offense.
1. Do you believe my use of technology is affecting our relationship in a positive or negative way?
2. Do you have any ideas on how we can work together to set realistic boundaries in our home when it comes to technology?
3. How can we practically change some habits in order to pour more time and energy into our marriage?
4. How do you think I can use my phone more efficiently and effectively in daily life?
5. How can we hold each other accountable when it comes to technology use?
This article about technology and marriage originally appeared here, and is used by permission.
