In today’s digital world, it has become commonplace for couples to depend on devices to communicate and stay connected to each other.
In today’s digital world, it has become commonplace for couples to depend on devices to communicate and stay connected to each other. However, according to the latest Kaspersky Lab study, there are not only pros of “connected love” but also cons that should be taken into account. For example, 55% of couples have argued about device overuse, highlighting how although devices often help to bring couples closer together, they can also push them apart and potentially put relationships at risk.
Many people today depend on devices to stay connected with their friends and family, and the same is true for those in relationships. Indeed, couples today frequently use devices and online messaging services to strengthen their relationship: 8-in-10 people always stay in touch with their partner online when they are apart from each other and 62% of people agree that communicating through devices and the internet helps them feel closer to their partner, especially for people who are dating but do not live together (75%).
This digital devotion also extends to shared devices, as 53% of people say their relationship has improved since sharing their online activities, such as accounts and devices. Clearly, there are positives that come from using devices, but there are also some negatives that need to be considered.
The research found that device usage can also lead to arguments between loved ones about a range of device-related issues such as overuse and cybersecurity incidents.
For example, 51% have argued about a device being used during a meal or face-to-face conversation. In addition, over half (55%) of people have argued with their partner due to too much time being spent on a device, which is higher (58%) for couples that live together, compared to 49% of those who are dating but live separately. This suggests that people don’t like feeling neglected and want their partner’s attention to be on them when they are together.
But excessive device usage isn’t the only thing that couples bicker about. Access to devices is also clearly a source of friction in relationships. A quarter (25%) have argued about whose turn it is to use the device, while forgetting to charge (45%) and losing (28%) devices are also causes of disagreements among couples.
Finally, there are cybersecurity issues to consider. Nearly a quarter (24%) of couples have argued after one person infected the device with malware and 19% have rowed after one partner lost money online by mistake or because of malware. As you would expect, couples that share devices are significantly more likely to argue about the issues mentioned above, highlighting how, when it comes to modern relationships, devices can be foes as well as friends.
“In a modern relationship, devices play a big part of keeping a couple constantly connected, enabling them to build their relationship even when they are apart. However, this intrinsic link with technology has opened the gates to some potential issues” said David Emm, principal security researcher at Kaspersky Lab, “An example of this is one person in the relationship using their technology irresponsibly, which could result in a device becoming infected with malware. If both individuals make a conscious effort to secure their digital lives - including devices, accounts and online activities, couples can enjoy the benefits of the digital word without any negative implications.”
With people today spending so much time online and cybersecurity risks continuing to become more prevalent, they need to make sure that they are protected from the latest cyberthreats. One way to do this is through tools such as Kaspersky Total Security, which is a multifunctional solution that can protect every part of people’s digital lives and secure several devices at once. This allows couples to communicate with each other without having to worry about being compromised by malware or having their personal data fall into the wrong hands.
To read more about the product and how to secure your digital kingdom for two, visit the Kaspersky Lab website. You can also take the Kaspersky Lab quiz to find out if devices are having a negative impact on your relationship.
