MOBILES BAD FOR MARRIAGES
Social media is wrecking relationships in Ireland, experts reveal
SOCIAL media and excessive phone use are wrecking Irish marriages, experts claim.
Counselling service Accord said technology is taking an increasingly damaging toll on our relationships.
Specialist Mary Johnston added: “Use of social media and mobile devices can be problematic.
“Both can be used inappropriately, causing hurt, fear and damaging trust.”
MOBILE phones and social media are harming relationships, it was claimed yesterday.
Catholic Marriage Care Service Accord confirmed 24,180 couples attended counselling sessions last year – with modern technology one of the top causes of stress.
It said trouble areas included the use of mobiles and social media, unresolved disagreements, inappropriate behaviour during arguments, both verbal and physical, and sexual satisfaction.
Other key factors were finances, feeling insulted or ignored by a partner and a lack of trust, closeness and affection.
RESEARCH
Accord counsellor Mary
Johnston said the problems caused by technology continue to grow each year.
She added: “Both social media and phones can be used inappropriately which can cause hurt and fear and damage trust in relationships.
“If you cherish your relationship and want it to flourish use social media and phones in a way that will benefit both of you – keeping in touch, keeping up with events, etc.
“Don’t use either in a way that will impact negatively on your relationship and damage trust.”
Despite the growing problem, the overall figure for those seeking help was significantly down on 2014, when 38,881 couples and individuals sought counselling.
Those using the service continued to fall year-on-year with 33,970 in 2015, 30,954 in 2016 and 26,964 in 2017.
The research was carried out by Maynooth University in Co Kildare on behalf of Accord.
PHD student Mira Dobutowitsch, from the Department of Education, found men tend to rate problematic behaviour less negatively than women but have more concerns about their partner being in another close relationship, emotional or physical.
However, females are more likely to rate childcare and home duties as an issue.
In other figures released by Accord yesterday, the organisation revealed 16,048 individuals attended their marriage preparation courses in both the north and south of Ireland last year.