Digitalization has reached every nook and corner of the globe and connects people in ways that no one could have predicted. It has made life simpler for everyone in many ways, including assistance with school assignments, life hacks, virtual meet-ups between individuals from different continents, etc. But, just as every coin has two sides, so does digitization. The use of technology can influence our brains and behavior. The influence can be good or bad. It all depends on how we use it.
Along with the many benefits that digitization has brought in, there are also some significant consequences. Some of these consequences include disrupted family time, little or no communication, and others. It has, however, primarily targeted happy families, wrecking them in a heartbeat. Hence, it’s no surprise that the number of divorce attorneys is increasing by the day due to conflicts between spouses triggered by less quality time spent together. So let’s look at how this new age has turned out to be a nightmare for new generations.
Digitalization — How is it ruining relationships?
With technology taking over, family life has been drastically altered. It has gotten to the point when members text or call each other instead of interacting in person while living under the same roof. Everyone has become so busy online that they don’t have time for their children, parents, partners, etc. As a result, today’s parent-child relationships are strained, marriages are failing, and there is no human connection, affection, empathy, or understanding.
Lack of quality time
Do you know why the bond between family members is weakening? Because everyone is engrossed in their phones or laptops, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With the hectic schedule, one hardly gets time to interact with their loved ones, ask about their day, current life happenings, or have fun. With whatever little time left spent in front of the screen, how can anyone bond over it? There is no quality time spent together, only hi and hello, so how can a family survive?
Extramarital relationships
The age of internet dating and social media sites have greatly encouraged extramarital affairs. When spouses argue, they seek external comfort and advice rather than sitting down and resolving the issues. This eventually results in a bridge between them and leads to failed marriages. Children suffer the most when their parents are separated and their family becomes dysfunctional. Besides the children, the parents themselves become prone to severe health problems as online intimacy can impact their well-being.
Misinterpretation
Social media portrays an unreal world of perfection while concealing hardships and real-life challenges. As a result, many families are dissatisfied with their current lifestyle, status, relationships, etc.
Depression
You might be surprised to learn that the glorified world of the internet has trapped many people, particularly youngsters, in a dark pit of depression. Someone may lack wealth, personality, best body, and so on as showcased on the internet and thus discouraged when they cannot achieve the desirable. As a result, they act upon which at times leads to strained relationships with family and friends.
How to keep a balance between the internet and family life?
Even if there are pitfalls, this does not mean that you are powerless over the situation. Here’s how to find a middle ground between the internet and family life.
- The first step is to stop comparing yourself and your family to others. It’s high time you realized that social media profiles don’t always give the complete picture. You’re kept at bay from the issues that lurk behind each post. As a result, it is best to accept your flawed family life and refrain from disrespecting your loved ones by comparing them to others.
- The next move is to respect your family members’ privacy by not broadcasting sensitive information to the rest of the world. Your loved ones may object, resulting in a dispute. When it comes to family matters, it’s best to keep things low-key.
- This one is for the married couple who need to make sure social media doesn’t get in their way. This can be achieved by openly communicating with one another about the issues bothering them or causing conflicts. It is preferable to use open social media practices with reasonable privacy. Talk about it and figure it out because it’s a personal issue, and everyone has a different point of view.
The bottom line is that everything is online and digitalized, including schooling, classes, jobs, and shopping. As a result, it is impossible to resist the digital world. However, if you limit and use it wisely, you will maintain a healthy family life.
