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The year 2020 has tested us all in many ways. For some, being in quarantine or lock-down has tested the strength of our romantic relationships. For others, it has tested their ability to use technology.
Yes, 2020 has given us plenty of reasons to make our relationship with technology a priority. It’s how we watch television, movies, play online games, and, more importantly, during the pandemic, it’s how we connect with friends and loved ones.
- How far is too far when it comes to staying glued to our screens?
- Is technology making our relationships better or worse?
- Where do we draw the line between helpful tech and hurtful obsession?
This article looks into 10 ways you can master your relationship with technology in 2020 and use social media and other apps to our benefit.
1. Romancing online during a pandemic
One great hack for singles is mastering tech during the quarantine.
The pandemic has made it a lot harder to meet people, leaving singles feeling lonely and left out of the quarantine cuddle.
Thankfully, by mastering the art of dating apps, you can still find one while you’re social distancing.
2. Catching up with relatives on video chat
Video services have been great resources in 2020 for staying connected to long-distance lovers, friends, and family members.
- Zoom
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Discord
- Google Duo
All of these apps have great features designed to keep you in touch with your favorite people – some offering party chats so you can still have group hangouts.
Just remember to put your phone/tech on silent while you’re with your friends and family. This will help you stay focused and will help strengthen your relationships.
3. Mastering online business meetings
The same apps listed above to help you connect with loved ones will be the same ones you should learn to master for work-related purposes.
An easy hack is to look up tutorials on YouTube to help you learn how to mute, un-mute, raise your hand, and turn your video on for those Zoom work meetings!
4. Find that social media swagger
Another great way you can master technology is by finding what social media website works best for you.
Not everyone is cut out for Facebook or Twitter, so why not find an outlet that makes you feel comfortable and happy?
Suppose you love connecting with everyone under the sun (Facebook), making viral videos (YouTube, TikTok), expressing your opinions (Twitter), or sharing your life via photos (Instagram). In that case, there is an app for you.
5. Get comfortable
One fantastic 2020 tech hack that has little to do with the technology itself is to get comfortable when you’re behind the screen. Whether you’re watching television, working on the computer, or playing video games, a good ergonomic office chair should be an essential buy.
An ergonomic chair is shaped to help your body perform at its best. That means you’ll experience less leg and hip strain, more back support, and less chronic pain associated with sitting for long periods.
6. Stop social media stalking
Research shows that 70% of social media users from age 18-29 have social media stalked an ex romantic partner or crush. The statistics don’t get much lower the older we get, with ages 30-49 weighing in at 60%.
Social media stalking can be a great insight into what your crush is interested in. Still, it can also create unhealthy behaviours and harm your mental health – like when you down your second mojito and suddenly think that looking at your ex’s hot new spouse sounds like a good idea.
7. Find a balance
Technology is great. It allows us to connect with friends that we can’t yet see in person. It allows us to date during a pandemic. It helps keep us amused – but there must be a balance for technology to make a healthy contribution to our lives.
8. Use technology for good
Technology helps us connect to others and stay entertained, but it can quickly become a self-absorbed, all-consuming habit.
Instead of using technology for unhealthy habits, use it for good. Some great examples of using technology for good include:
- Advancing your education
- Connecting with loved ones
- Being more productive at work
- Dating during the quarantine
- Maintaining a long-distance relationship
- Expressing creativity
- Enhancing your mental and physical health
9. Don’t let social media ruin in-person relationships
Social media has been a great outlet for connecting to others throughout the pandemic, but we shouldn’t let our love for technology interfere with our actual relationships.
For some, a love of technology can reduce relationship satisfaction.
Research shows that 51% of adults who use technology admit they are often distracted by their cell phone when they’re having a conversation with their partner.
If your spouse feels like you aren’t listening, it can cause them to feel distant, neglected, and lower self-esteem.
Ask yourself, how often do you interact with your phone compared to your romantic partner?
10. Know when to call it quits
One shocking study revealed that 1 in 10 couples report checking their texts or social media during sex.
I shouldn’t have to tell you that this is not an ideal time to be catching up on one’s socials!
If this isn’t a sign that it’s time to put your relationship with technology in its place, what is?
If using technology:
- Consumes your day
- Is hurting your relationships
- Makes you feel bad about yourself
It may be time to give yourself a screen-time challenge. See how long you can go without looking at your phone, playing on your tablet, or watching television.
Reducing your screen-time each day can help promote happy relationships and good mental health.
Technology can help you immensely, especially during the unique year of 2020. Use this year to use social media to connect with friends, strengthen your work presence through video apps, and banish bad technology habits.
