A new study by Durham University has revealed the damaging effects that technology is having on our relationships and sex lives.
THE research was carried out by the university’s Centre for Sex, Gender and Sexualities, interviewing 30 straight people between the ages of 18 and 55. Participants had to be in a relationship for at least one year.
The survey found that technology is impacting our love lives more than ever before, with smartphones in particular becoming a source of sexual tension – and not the good kind.
Dr. Mark McCormack, Co-Director of the Centre for Sex, Gender and Sexualities at Durham University, says: “Technology has revolutionised our lives and smart phones are now central to the organisation of romantic relationships, from establishing them to maintaining love and affection when couples are apart. What this study reveals is that technology now consumes our relationships at a much deeper level. It’s made its way into the bedroom in more ways than we imagined, often with benefits, but also coming with potentially serious costs to relationships, as it can cause frustration and tension, and encroach on sexual activity.”
The research shows that tech is now so pervasive in the bedroom that 40% of those interviewed for the study said they had actually delayed sex with a partner because of technology with others reporting rushing sexual activity in order to respond to messages. Incredibly, a third of those interviewed admitted that they’d stopped sex in its tracks just to answer their phone.
The study goes on to conclude that sexual relations are increasingly being played out on smartphones, with 40% having sent sexy photos via mobile and over a quarter (27%) having filmed themselves having sex. But even engaging positively in technology between the sheets has created tensions, with participants expressing worry about privacy relating to sexual texts and pictures, whilst others increasingly question fidelity of their partners, seeing phones as an easy route to cheating.
The findings of the research have also been brought to life in a new video by Durex, sponsors of the research. ‘Connect’ features real couples as they face the realities of the impact that technology has had on their relationships. The film also features leading tech entrepreneur Susie Lee, of Siren mobile, who gives some key advice on tech and the bedroom.
Lee said: “Of course, tech can never really replace human interaction. True chemistry comes from intimacy. So whilst we need our tech – it has enhanced our lives, enabling us to reconnect with old friends, reach wider social groups and meet new people – we need to recognise the times and places when social networking doesn’t enrich our experience. We really need to learn to focus on each other in the bedroom, rather than on our smartphones or tablets.”
To watch the video click here:
You must be logged in to post a comment.