<p>Bengaluru: A study by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (Nimhans), Bengaluru, has delved into "technoference", a phenomenon where technology disrupts interpersonal relationships, leading to communication breakdowns, increased conflicts, and altered social dynamics.</p>.<p>The study, which interviewed 36 participants aged 18-30 years, revealed that 78 per cent reported frequent communication breakdowns caused by excessive device usage.</p>.<p>One participant shared, “When we are both on our phones, it is like we’re together, but really alone.”</p>.<p>Conflicts over screen time and online privacy were also common, with 65 per cent of respondents admitting to problems on these issues.</p>.<p>Also, 68 per cent struggled to balance technology use with other responsibilities, noting how digital devices often compete with quality time for family, friends, and partners.</p>.<p>Participants, recruited via online platforms and social media, reported varied daily technology usage.</p>.<p>A majority (72.2 per cent) spent seven or more hours on devices daily, with 50 per cent using technology for both professional and personal purposes.</p>.<p>Despite its challenges, technology also played a positive role in fostering connections. About 34 per cent of participants acknowledged that tools like video calls helped them maintain meaningful relationships with distant loved ones.</p>.Nimhans is undisputed leader in mental health, says President Murmu.<p>This dual-edged nature of technology highlighted its ability to act as both a bridge and a barrier in relationships.</p>.<p>To mitigate the negative effects of technoference, strategies such as setting boundaries — tech-free zones or times — and engaging in digital detoxes were adopted.</p>.<p>Approximately 53 per cent of participants reported implementing such measures, with many noting improvements in relationship quality and reduced stress.</p>.<p>Family-enforced phone-free activities also proved beneficial, with 72 per cent stating that these initiatives helped strengthen connections.</p>.<p>Lead author Neeraj MS said that technoference is not limited to extreme tech addiction. “Even minimal or average users reported experiencing technoference in their interpersonal relationships. It is a cyclic issue — interpersonal struggles can lead to problematic tech use, and problematic tech use can strain relationships. Sometimes, virtual connections feel closer than family due to difficulties in relating to significant others,” he explained.</p>
<p>Bengaluru: A study by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (Nimhans), Bengaluru, has delved into "technoference", a phenomenon where technology disrupts interpersonal relationships, leading to communication breakdowns, increased conflicts, and altered social dynamics.</p>.<p>The study, which interviewed 36 participants aged 18-30 years, revealed that 78 per cent reported frequent communication breakdowns caused by excessive device usage.</p>.<p>One participant shared, “When we are both on our phones, it is like we’re together, but really alone.”</p>.<p>Conflicts over screen time and online privacy were also common, with 65 per cent of respondents admitting to problems on these issues.</p>.<p>Also, 68 per cent struggled to balance technology use with other responsibilities, noting how digital devices often compete with quality time for family, friends, and partners.</p>.<p>Participants, recruited via online platforms and social media, reported varied daily technology usage.</p>.<p>A majority (72.2 per cent) spent seven or more hours on devices daily, with 50 per cent using technology for both professional and personal purposes.</p>.<p>Despite its challenges, technology also played a positive role in fostering connections. About 34 per cent of participants acknowledged that tools like video calls helped them maintain meaningful relationships with distant loved ones.</p>.Nimhans is undisputed leader in mental health, says President Murmu.<p>This dual-edged nature of technology highlighted its ability to act as both a bridge and a barrier in relationships.</p>.<p>To mitigate the negative effects of technoference, strategies such as setting boundaries — tech-free zones or times — and engaging in digital detoxes were adopted.</p>.<p>Approximately 53 per cent of participants reported implementing such measures, with many noting improvements in relationship quality and reduced stress.</p>.<p>Family-enforced phone-free activities also proved beneficial, with 72 per cent stating that these initiatives helped strengthen connections.</p>.<p>Lead author Neeraj MS said that technoference is not limited to extreme tech addiction. “Even minimal or average users reported experiencing technoference in their interpersonal relationships. It is a cyclic issue — interpersonal struggles can lead to problematic tech use, and problematic tech use can strain relationships. Sometimes, virtual connections feel closer than family due to difficulties in relating to significant others,” he explained.</p>