Until Smartphones Do Us Part, The Conflict Between Phone Use and Divorce Rates

The Excessive Use of Technology, Especially the Use of Smartphones, Has Shown a Direct Correlation with Divorce Rates

If we ever counted up the amount of time we spend looking at our phones, we would probably be very surprised at how much time we spend on our smartphones in the span of 24 hours. The number of things we can do on our phones – check the weather or the news, do some work, connect with friends and family, etc. – is huge. And we can easily justify to ourselves why we spend so much time on our phones. But we may not be aware of how focusing our attention on our phones impacts the people around us. It can damage family time and especially spouse time. From infidelity to excessive phone use, the attorneys at The Montanari Law Group discuss how phone misuse can impact relationships to the point of divorce.

How Phones Can Have a Negative Impact on Your Relationship in NJ

Research shows that overuse of phones can have a negative impact on our relationships with the people around us—and elevates the risk of divorce. There may be deeper reasons for the overuse of phones in a marriage, not just checking the news but avoiding a partner, feeling bored in the relationship, and sometimes infidelity. With a smartphone and social media, we can communicate with almost anyone in one or two clicks. Some people find it difficult to resist the chance to reconnect with people from their past and perhaps rekindle a relationship. Or they can start a conversation with someone new, which can lead to emotional or physical affairs.

A study in the UK in 2023 suggests that adults are on their phones an average of 3 hours 15 minutes per day. You can see that, with our limited time to devote to our families and spouses, phone time takes up a huge chunk of that. It also means that affairs that start online can be hidden amongst checking the news or the weather.

The Dark Side of Technology and Its Impact on Marriage Life

While technology can be beneficial in strengthening and connecting couples, the improper use of technology can also lead to marriage problems. Here are some ways that the wrong use of technology can lead to marriage problems:

Communication breakdown: Technology, such as smartphones and social media, has made it easier to communicate with others. However, constant texting, checking emails, or scrolling through social media during dinner or a couple of times can lead to a breakdown in communication. Couples need to communicate with each other face-to-face to build intimacy, trust, and understanding.

Infidelity: Technology has also made hiding affairs, flirtations, and emotional connections with others easier. Online dating apps, social media platforms, and messaging apps can be used to initiate, maintain, and hide extramarital affairs. Technology’s ease of access and anonymity can lead to emotional detachment toward the spouse and break the marital bond.

Addiction: The excessive use of technology can lead to addiction and dependence, leading to a lack of focus on the relationship. Technology can distract individuals from their partners and create feelings of neglect and loneliness. Addiction to technology can also lead to neglect of other responsibilities and priorities in the relationship.

Misinterpretation of messages: Text messages, emails, and social media posts can be misinterpreted, leading to misunderstandings and arguments. The lack of nonverbal cues and tone of voice can lead to confusion and miscommunication. This can lead to frustration, mistrust, and feelings of isolation.

In summary, technology has become an essential part of our lives, and its misuse can lead to marriage problems. Couples need to establish boundaries and communicate openly about the role of technology in their relationship. They should also prioritize face-to-face communication, maintain honesty and transparency, and be mindful of their technology use.

Understanding the Trending Concepts of Technoference and Phubbing

As you read up on these issues, you may encounter the terms “Technoference” and “Phubbing.” Technoferences are the interruptions to a couple’s relationship that constantly happen because of our devices’ constantly-on, constantly-present nature. The term was coined by Brandon McDaniel, a doctoral candidate at Penn State. Phubbing is short for “phone snubbing,” which happens when we leave people in the lurch, ignoring them to get absorbed in our phones.

Phones are much more immersive than other past times, like watching TV or reading, and we may have phubbed loved ones without being aware of it. Phubbing is a habit that can cause painful consequences for couples. By choosing to devote your time and attention to your phone rather than devoting them to your partner or family, you can hurt your loved one’s feelings. Emotional intimacy is reduced, and your connection is eroded.

5 Ways Technology Addiction Damages Couples’ Relationships

Technology addiction, especially cell phone addiction, can have a significant impact on couples. Here are some ways that it can affect couples:

• Communication breakdown: Constant cell phone use can lead to a breakdown in communication between couples. When one or both partners are addicted to their phones, they may be distracted or disinterested in what their partner is saying. This can create feelings of neglect, resentment, and isolation.
• Lack of quality time: Couples need quality time to connect, bond, and strengthen their relationship. Cell phone addiction can prevent couples from spending quality time together. Instead of engaging in activities or conversations, they may spend their time scrolling through their phones or checking their social media feeds.
• Sleep disturbances: Cell phone addiction can also affect couples’ sleep patterns. Late-night phone use can disrupt sleep, leading to fatigue, irritability, and mood swings. Couples may also experience conflicts and disagreements due to one partner’s phone use disturbing the other’s sleep.
• Jealousy and insecurity: Cell phone addiction can lead to jealousy and insecurity in relationships. One partner’s excessive phone use can make the other partner feel neglected or unimportant. This can lead to feelings of jealousy and insecurity, especially if the phone use involves secretive behavior or interactions with others.
• Lack of intimacy: Intimacy is an essential component of a healthy relationship. Cell phone addiction can interfere with intimacy by creating emotional distance between partners. When one partner is addicted to their phone, they may be emotionally unavailable, leading to a lack of connection and intimacy between partners.

Cell phone addiction can have a significant impact on couples. Couples need to be aware of the effects of technology addiction and take steps to manage their phone use to prevent it from affecting their relationship. This includes setting boundaries, prioritizing quality time, and being present and engaged when spending time with their partner.

Is Excessive Use of Smartphones Increasing Divorce Rates?

There is growing evidence to suggest that there is a connection between divorce and phone usage. Here are some ways that phone usage can impact divorce rates:

Studies have shown that the excessive use of smartphones and social media can lead to an increase in infidelity. This can range from emotional affairs to physical affairs, which can have a significant impact on the stability of marriage and lead to divorce.  Communication is a crucial component of a healthy marriage. However, excessive phone usage can lead to a breakdown in communication between partners. When one or both partners are distracted by their phones, it can lead to misunderstandings, mistrust, and a lack of emotional connection. Phone addiction can have a significant impact on a marriage. When one partner is addicted to their phone, they may be emotionally unavailable, neglect their responsibilities, and create feelings of isolation and neglect in their partner.

The excessive use of phones can also lead to financial issues in a marriage. Spending money on phone-related expenses, such as phone upgrades and data plans, can add up and create a financial strain on the marriage; the excessive use of phones can also lead to time management issues in a marriage. When one partner spends a significant amount of time on their phone, it can lead to neglect of household responsibilities, work obligations, and time spent with family. Excessive phone usage can have a significant impact on divorce rates. Couples need to be aware of the effects of phone addiction and take steps to manage their phone use to prevent it from negatively impacting their marriage. This includes setting boundaries, prioritizing quality time with their partner, and being present and engaged in their relationship.

When Your Own Phone Plays Against You

In today’s digital age, smartphones can contain a wealth of personal information that can be used as evidence in divorce proceedings. If you have been unfaithful to your spouse, evidence of your actions can be found on your phone. This can include text messages, emails, social media messages, or dating apps. This evidence can be used to prove infidelity and may have an impact on property division, alimony, and child custody. Your phone records can also reveal information about your financial situation. This can include records of purchases, transactions, and phone bills. This information can be used to determine your financial standing and to make decisions about property division and alimony. If your phone records show that you are frequently absent or neglectful in your responsibilities, such as not answering your spouse’s calls or texts about child care or household matters, this can be used as evidence against you. This can affect decisions regarding custody and visitation.

If you have been harassing or threatening your spouse, evidence of these actions can be found on your phone. This can include text messages, emails, and social media messages. This evidence can be used to obtain a restraining order or affect custody and visitation decisions. Also, if you have a history of substance abuse, evidence of this behavior can be found on your phone. This can include messages or photos related to drug or alcohol use. This evidence can be used to affect decisions regarding custody and visitation.

Your phone evidence can be used against you in a divorce. It is important to be aware of the information contained on your phone and to take steps to protect yourself. This includes being mindful of your actions and communications, being truthful in your statements and disclosures, and seeking legal advice if necessary.

How to Avoid Having Evidence Gathered from Your Own Mobile Device in Divorce

If you are going through a divorce, it is important to take steps to protect yourself and prevent your phone from being used against you. Here are some key tips for preventing your phone from being used against you in divorce:

Be mindful of your communications: It is important to be mindful of what you say in text messages, emails, and other forms of communication. Avoid making any statements that could be taken out of context or used against you in court.

Be truthful in your disclosures: If you are asked to provide information about your phone or its contents, it is important to be truthful in your disclosures. Providing false information can have serious consequences, including being held in contempt of court.

Keep your phone secure: It is important to keep your phone secure to prevent unauthorized access. This includes using a password or fingerprint scanner to lock your phone and avoiding sharing your password with anyone else.

Avoid deleting or hiding information: Deleting or hiding information from your phone can be seen as an attempt to conceal evidence. It is important to be transparent and provide all relevant information when requested.

Seek legal advice: If you are unsure about what information on your phone can be used in court, it is important to seek legal advice. An attorney can help you understand your rights and responsibilities and provide guidance on how to protect yourself.

Taking steps to protect your phone and being mindful of your communications can help prevent your phone from being used against you in divorce. If you have any concerns about how your phone or its contents could affect your divorce proceedings, it is important to seek legal advice.

Contact a Woodland Park Divorce Lawyer When Phone Use May Affect You and Your Relationship

With the assistance of our divorce lawyers at The Montanari Law Group, you can discuss your divorce case to understand more about your rights, the nuances of evidence, and the correct process to gather evidence. We have supported numerous clients in divorce and post-divorce matters in Clifton, Montclair, Ringwood, Wayne, West Milford, Hawthorne, Millburn, Short Hills, Verona, Paterson and throughout Passaic County and Northern New Jersey. Call us today at (973) 233-4396 or toll-free at (888) 877-7985 for an initial consultation at no cost.