Recent research has revealed that using phones during mealtimes is the leading cause of “tech tiffs” among couples. A survey of 2,000 adults has discovered the top 10 tech and appliance-related disputes that spark arguments between partners. The study showed that young adults aged 18–24 are most prone to bicker over phone usage, while those 65 and older tend to argue about volume control.
A fifth have found themselves arguing about the use of household appliances at least once weekly. But what’s more is a staggering 13% of those surveyed confessed they’ve considered ending their relationship over a tech-related argument.
Second to arguments about phone usage were disagreements over the volume of music, TV, or gaming were, followed by leaving gadgets and chargers lying around coming in third.
Lara Brittain, a spokesperson for Currys who commissioned the study, commented: “Our home tech is important to us, but people do get set in their ways – including couples. Which can lead to the odd argument here and there – and many of us can relate the perennial dishwasher debate, for example.”
The recent study discovered that over half of those living with their other half had not hashed out who does what around the house before living together.
These oversights are blamed for classic household tiffs, from arguing about which setting to put the washing on and how to pack the dishwasher. Dishwasher loading techniques also caused friction, with 23% of couples admitting to disputes over the “correct” way to do it.
Despite these frustrations, 75% of all those polled, via OnePoll, agree managing household technology effectively is important for a healthy relationship.
When it comes to settling rows over gadgets, couples typically rely on the internet for the correct answer, ask a family or friend or head to the shops to ask an expert.
Lara Brittain, said: “We’d hate for anyone to break up over an argument over devices or appliances and since our expert colleagues are well versed on the latest tech and household appliances, we’re on hand to help couples overcome their tech squabbles.”
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