New research found that there could be possible relationship conflicts caused by frequent use of phones.

Are you ignored when your partner receives a call? Is your time together interrupted by text messages, emails, or mobile games? Is technology coming in between your relationship with your partner?

You are not alone.

A research conducted by Brigham Young University looks into the impact of technology on interpersonal relationships. The analysts figured technical interference or referred to as “technoference” could cause damage to interpersonal relationships and mental health.

Although the three major disputes between husband and wife used to be sex, money, and children, it seems that smartphones are rising rapidly.

The research covered 143 women in relationships, most of them said that telephones, computers, along with technical equipment cause significant damage to their relationships including family life. Particularly, a higher level of technical interference leads to increased relationship clashes and reduced relationship satisfaction. In addition, higher levels of smartphone use and other technology interference seem to make people more frustrated and reduce their general life satisfaction.

Although few people are surprised to find that technology can cause irritation and turmoil for couples, this research is among the very first scientific tests to convey that a person’s involvement in technology could in fact affect a partner, leading to frustration.

The primary technical culprit – a smartphone

Mobile phones or smartphones have a great impact on today’s modern world. Owning a phone with subscription plans (mobilabonnement) allows you flexibility in work and social life. But why is this tiny piece of device plays a big role in many relationship conflicts?

Smartphones have a great effect on the mental well being of a partner, Why is it? All things considered, automobiles can also be an origin of disagreement, because many couples are likely to become nervous and quarrel when it comes to driving, such as conflict on direction, speed, choice of music, and etc., nonetheless, it usually does not cause frustration to those in the passenger seat.

Why are phones the primary culprit?

When your partner has more time on the phone, you will feel ignored and this hurts.

Each time a chat, dish, or an intimate moment is disturbed as a result of text message, email message, or any type of activity, the message being conveyed is that you are not important at that moment or that this call is more important than you.

The feeling of rejection due to these technical interferences can practically affect mental health. Even the smallest rejection reaction often causes great pain, because the brain’s response is the same as the body’s pain. Even a small rejection, for instance, a partner who turns on the phone during a conversation, can trigger general reactions that cause rejection: hurt feelings, mood changes, and decrease in self-esteem. This leads to an outburst of anger and bitterness. With time, these small injuries can result in conflict, decreased relationship and life satisfaction, and increased depressive symptoms.