Smartphone use has spread like wildfire in our society over the last couple of decades, changing the overall paradigm of communication, work relationships and our interactions with the environment.
As convenient as the possession of the smartphone might be, it equally imposes a significant effect on our relationships and interpersonal communication skills.
How smartphones affect interpersonal interactions, social relations, and the types of communications stressing both the opportunities and the threats of these now indisputably essential gadgets is discussed below.
The Positive Impact of Smartphones on Relationships and Social Skills.
1. Improved Communication and Accessibility.
Smartphones, without any doubt, have changed our manner of interpersonal communication.
That is possible with the help of call, text, email and video calling features available on smartphones. It has become much easier for people to stay connected with their loved ones and with friends no matter how far apart they are.
This enhanced communication has solidified relationships as both parties can easily communicate with one another through text, calls, or via social networks.
2. Enhanced Social Connections.
Ways people make new friends have also been enhanced by the use of social networks and messaging apps on smartphones.
Smartphones also provide social network connectivity and virtual communities through which users can meet new friends and business contacts.
3. School and Self-Development Activities.
Smartphones enable easy and quick access to information and education, that can be helpful and informative for a person to develop and improve herself/himself.
Smartphones provide access to relevant online courses and learning tutorials, thereby making a person knowledgeable through podcasts and articles.
This enhances his or her interpersonal interactions and relationships based on similar interests and similar issues encountered.
4. Coordination of Activities.
Social communication through the use of such portable devices as smartphones is key in planning and executing group-related activities such as making, updating and informing each other regarding events and meeting schedules.
Smartphones facilitate community involvement through communication and coordination. Hence, enhancing people’s social interaction to strengthen their relationships whenever they plan to meet for a party or project with friends.
The Negative Impact of Smartphones on Relationships and Social Skills.
1. Reduced Face-to-Face Interaction.
The explosion of the smartphone has seen people easily connected almost all the time. This connection however has reduced face-to-face/physical interactions.
Social interactions are also affected negatively by the use of smartphones especially in social gatherings.
This is because people will spend more time on their phones than engaging each other and enjoying the moment, this affects interpersonal skills and emotional bonding.
2. Distraction and Disconnection.
This is especially the case because our phones are with us almost all the time, which means that relationships may suffer from a lack of attention and bonding.
This constant interruption could interfere with meaningful interpersonal connection and attachment, resulting in feelings of abandonment, loneliness and interpersonal tension between couples, friends and relatives.
3. Competition and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).
Smartphones’ social media applications show only the best part of people’s lives, achievements, experiences, and relationships.
Such a daily dose of unrealistic expectations may result in feelings of comparison, low self-esteem, and FOMO that can affect one’s assessment of personal life satisfaction and interpersonal relationships.
4. Dependence and Addiction.
Smartphone dependency or being overly reliant on the mobile phone, can lead to problems in interpersonal communication and can limit the user’s interaction with other people as he or she becomes dependent on the phone to get emotional needs met.
People who are always attached to their phones may find it difficult to interact with others in a proper manner and may also find that their interactions with other people may worsen.
How to Reduce the Negative Effects of Smartphone Usage on Relations and Social Skills
1. Creating Healthy Communication Frameworks and Promoting Quality Time.
To avoid getting sucked into the world of smartphone addiction, it is very important to set limits on its usage and spend quality time with friends and family.
Avoiding the use of technology for some hours and having direct physical interactions will improve your emotional bonds, interpersonal communication, and overall relationship quality.
2. Practicing Mindful Smartphone Use.
Responsible use of smartphones entails being aware of how one uses the phone in a way that does not diminish the quality of experiences and opportunities that are available in life.
When practising digital mindfulness, and paying attention to social encounters, one is able to improve on social skills and emotional relationships with people around.
3. Encouraging Off-line Interests and Activities.
It is crucial to have a balance between your online interactions and offline interactions. This should include other activities and hobbies to ensure full development and improvement of relationships and social skills.
This social interaction includes face-to-face social activities, self-organised interests, and community involvement to increase social networks, communication, and interpersonal relationships, which should not always be virtual.
4. Getting Help if Necessary.
If you are having issues with smartphone addiction, indicated by conflicts with your partner or friends, or difficulties in social interactions, it would be helpful to consult therapists, or counsellors, or join support groups.
In counselling, behavioural therapy, and self-help, a person can overcome problems, learn constructive communication, and create close connections both on the Internet and in real life.
Conclusion
It is impossible to deny that smartphones have influenced relationships and interactions, providing people with numerous opportunities to stay connected in a convenient manner while questioning the nature of relationship and ways of communication.
Therefore, by acknowledging the positive and negative effects of smartphones on relationships and social skills, we can better manage our use and the negative effects, draw healthy boundaries, and develop healthy relationships both online and offline.
By consciously using the smartphone, going outside, and focusing on real-life interactions, people can use the technology while not losing the meaning of their relationships and social interactions.
Read also: How To Break Free From Smartphone Addiction
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