Technology

Technology has brought with it, some wonderful benefits and connections. I enjoy using technology as much as the next person. However, there is a shadow side to technology. Are you finding that you are arguing over your computer or internet use; phone use - excessive texting or talking? Well, you are not on your own, media addiction is fast becoming a major contributor to family and relational breakdowns.

I have had people tell me that they allow the phone to wake them up in the middle of the night while they are sleeping, in order to answer a text. I've had people tell me that their small children scream if their ipad is taken off them. I have had other people tell me that their children are pleading for their parent to look at them, instead of their phone. What do you think needs to happen here? It's common sense really, but it seems as though technology has robbed us of our common sense sometimes.

Your family and close relationships, really do need your face to face interactions, in order to feel secure, loved and connected, and, so do you. Our brains are wired to need one another's facial interactions, and face to face connections. Without this our brains, can suffer and when the brain suffers, our whole body and emotional life suffers. Time spent connecting in with one another, soothes our brains, soothes our partners, and helps to create a happier, more connected life.

What do I do about it?

  • Limit the time spent on the phone / computer. After a certain time of the day, unplug the technology, to replug into your face to face connections with your family.
  • Meal times: turn the phone off or turn it to silent. Talk to your family or friends when you are sharing a meal.
  • For your wellbeing, you need your sleep every night, uninterrupted. Put your phone out of the bedroom. Turn it to silent or off prior to bedtime.

    On this page you will find some links and videos that may be of benefit.

    Links - Articles:

    Psychology Today - Why we're all addicted to texts, twitter and google

    Links - Videos: