TEXT
New study shows impact of technology on relationships
Julene Reese
[1] It’s no surprise that technology can have a negative
impact on relationships. But David Schramm, Utah State
University assistant professor and Extension family life
specialist, is particularly interested ∈ how technology
[5] interferes with two of the most important spaces for
interaction and connection – ∈ the bed and at the table.
Schramm said it is inevitable that technology will
creep into every aspect of our lives. Because of this, he is
on a mission to safeguard these two important areas that
[10] must be consciously protected to help strengthen couple
and parent-child relationships. He believes these places
should be considered off limits when it comes to
technology use.
Schramm decided the best way to understand
[15] “technoference”. The way technology use interferes with
face-to-face interactions with others, was simply to ask
people. He conducted a survey of 631 parents across the
USA between the ages of 21 and 60 and asked several
questions related to technology use.
[20] Here are more of his survey findings:
• Eighty-eight percent agree that technoference is a big
problem ∈ our society, with 62% of those surveyed
agreeing that it is a big problem ∈ their family. Seventy
percent reported that technology interrupts family time
[25] at least occasionally.
• A little more than one-third of the adults use technology
∈ their bed every night or almost every night. Even
more, 43% report that their spouse/partner uses
technology ∈ bed every night or almost every night.
[30] • Fifty-three percent believe they personally are on their
cell phone too much.
• Six out of 10 adults are concerned about the influence
technology has on their relationship with their children,
and nearly one out of four wish they had more
[35] information about technology and parenting, but don’t
know where to turn.
• Thirty-eight percent of adults admit to using technology
at least occasionally while eating at home with family
members. This only drops slightly to 35% who report
[40] using technology while eating at a restaurant with their
spouse or partner at least occasionally.
When asked if he has some advice, Schramm said:
“Talk more, use your phones less, and be where you are”.
Adapted from: https://www.usu.edu/today/story/new-study-shows-impact-oftechnology-on-relationship#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20overall%20survey %20results%20show,and%20anxiety%2E%C%E2%80%9D%20he%20sai d. Accessed on 08/22/2022.
According to the text, mark the correct affirmative(s).
01) The text presents the results of a survey about the impact of technology on people’s life.
02) Schramm wants to understand how technology used ∈ the moments of resting and eating impacts on family relationships.
04) Schramm conducted a survey of 631 parents and children from the USA.
08) Eighty-eight percent of the interviewed people agree that the problem of technology is ∈ their family.
16) Most adults use technology ∈ their bed every night.
