How the Modern Relationship Runs on Technology

Technology has revolutionized the way we view relationships.

As of 2020, everything can be digitized. No matter what the issue is, technology has a solution. This crosses over to an emotional aspect of life that many thought would remain untouched by a screen, love. As an avid user of technology and someone in a long-distance relationship, technology has helped to maintain my modern love story. It’s been over a year since I began dating my girlfriend in a long-distance setting. Over that period, technology has played a large role in communication, creativity, and trust.  

Let’s start with some numbers. According to LDRS:

-14 million couples currently define their relationship as “long-distance”

-3.75 million married couples live in a long-distance relationship

-75% of all engaged couples have been in a long-distance relationship  at some point in time

Over time, the definition of “long-distance” has begun to hold less weight. Specifically, technological advancement has made the circumstances significantly easier. Since the emergence of portable phones, couples have been able to thrive in an LDR setting. 

To begin with, technology is critically important for communication. This is applicable in all relationships, but specifically ones with large amounts of distance present. With 2,000 miles between myself and my girlfriend, communication can be difficult. However, technology has simplified that aspect. With a few clicks, I’m able to communicate face-to-face with somebody on the other side of the country. This is critical to the maintenance of my relationship, as a couple without communication is likely to fail. 

Secondly, technology has made our relationship significantly more enjoyable. Whether it be a shared Netflix account, funny facetime filters, or multiplayer online games, tech has helped us innovate unique date ideas. With a lack of physical time together, we needed to make up a way to experience the rush of a normal relationship, hence our creative use of technology. 

One specific example is our “movie night.” Netflix has a feature that allows you to screen share, allowing both partners to view a movie at the same time. It allows us to experience the classical and corny “movie date” all the movies rave about. To tie it all together, we facetime.

I would consider facetime to be one of our biggest lifelines. Whether it be in the morning, evening, or late at night, facetime allows couples to talk in real-time, while being able to see their partner. Technology has allowed me to see and talk to my girlfriend, even though she’s nowhere near me. Maintaining that level of communication helps to create a lasting mental bond, leading to a stronger couple. 

Overall, technology has become the platform for a modern-day LDR. Over the past year, I’ve been able to build and maintain a stable relationship with an amazing person thanks to my phone, computer, and camera.