{"id":73441,"date":"2017-02-10T10:48:03","date_gmt":"2017-02-10T18:48:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/securingtomorrow.mcafee.com\/?p=73441"},"modified":"2025-08-26T20:47:38","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T03:47:38","slug":"devices-killing-romance-relationship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/family-safety\/devices-killing-romance-relationship\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Your Devices Killing the Romance in Your Relationship?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you ever feel like your partner\u2019s device is the \u2018third person\u2019 in your relationship, then you are not alone. It appears many of us are becoming increasingly frustrated with the impact technology is having on our relationships \u2013 and Cupid isn\u2019t happy!<\/p>\n

Aussies are renowned worldwide for our love of technology. In fact, the Pew Research Centre<\/a> in the US ranks us 2nd <\/sup>worldwide as the country with the largest share of adult smartphone ownership.<\/a> But new research from McAfee<\/a>\u00a0shows that our tech obsession might have gone a little too far as many Aussies believe they are competing with smartphones for the attention of their loved ones.<\/p>\n

It appears our love of devices \u2018knows no bounds\u2019 with research participants reporting technology interference in relationships of all stages. Concerningly, 23% of couples on first dates reported that they felt they were competing with their date\u2019s smartphone for attention during their first meeting \u2013 you just wonder whether there was a second date! And sadly, 40% of established couples believed that their \u2018significant other\u2019 was more interested in their smartphone or tablet than spending time with them.<\/p>\n

No wonder Cupid isn\u2019t impressed!!<\/p>\n

The Downside of Tech and Dating<\/h2>\n

Technology can also cause frustration and friction, according to the research findings. 3 in 10 Aussies reported that they felt frustrated when their \u2018significant other\u2019 was distracted using their smartphone during an important conversation \u2013 I totally get that! 35% of those surveyed also admitted that they have had an argument with a friend or family member about being on their phone too much during their time together. Mmm \u2013 sounds like our house.<\/p>\n

But, most worryingly \u2013 10% of those interviewed reported that their \u2018significant other\u2019 had been distracted by their device during a romantic or \u2018intimate moment\u2019!<\/p>\n

So, clearly, we have a problem\u2026<\/p>\n

With Valentine\u2019s Day approaching, it\u2019s time to prioritise our significant others over our devices. Life is just not as rosy without some loving as the famous English poet Robert Browning<\/a> so eloquently wrote:<\/p>\n

\u2018Take away love and our earth is a tomb\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

So, here are\u00a0my suggestions on how we can turn this around, Australia!!<\/p>\n