‘Technology, finances risks for relationships’

Technology has made infidelity easier, researchers were told during a nationwide study about the expectations and experiences of Maltese couples. The qualitative research, by the National Centre for Family Research within the President’s Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society, reveals that self-centred behaviour, financial struggles and the inability to communicate are chipping away at local relationships. Among others, the research shines a light on technology as a growing risk factor for relationships, with many suggesting that technology has made infidelity easier because it creates more opportunities to meet others. Others saw devices as hindering communication between partners. “There is an increased and pervasive use of mobile devices, with individuals frequently checking in on social media and consequently not attending to those near them,” the report about the research notes. However, others acknowledged that when partners were away from each other due to long working hours, mobile phones could be a means of “touching base”. Meanwhile, participants consistently conveyed their perception that marriage was increasingly easily dissoluble in contemporary society. Many...