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 in how technology
[5] interferes with two of the most important spaces for
interaction and connection – in 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 in our society, with 62% of those surveyed
agreeing that it is a big problem in 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
in their bed every night or almost every night. Even
more, 43% report that their spouse/partner uses
technology in 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 in 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 in their family.
16) Most adults use technology in their bed every night.
