Here’s how to keep your love-life safe, sane and respectful when it comes to technology and sharing on social media.

1. SOCIAL MEDIA SHARING
Talk about it upfront.
Don’t assume you both hold the same views when it comes to social media and tech use.
Set boundaries.
Be clear about what you’re both comfortable with sharing online and be prepared to ask each other if you’re okay with sharing a pic before you share it.
Respect your differences.
Emotional manipulation (for example, when your partner tells you: ‘If you don’t share pics of us online, you’re not serious about us’) isn’t a good basis for trust and intimacy offline.

2. DON’T LET TECHNOFERENCE KILL YOUR LOVE LIFE
Keep devices and screens out of the bedroom.
We now know that the blue light from screens disrupts our sleep, increases stress and distracts us from intimacy.
Set switch-off times when you’re together.
Let meal times and date nights be screen-free to allow yourselves the space and time to concentrate on each other.
Don’t be a phubber.
In other words, don’t let online conversations distract you from ‘real-life’ interactions; respect the people around you enough to leave your phone alone while you’re together.

3. CURB YOUR ADDICTION
Ask yourself why.
Social media apps such as Facebook and sites such as YouTube are designed to keep you hooked to the screen and mindlessly
scrolling. The next time you find yourself reaching for your phone, ask yourself why.
Delete social media apps off your phone.
Limiting your access means you can limit the damage.
Take a digital detox.
Decide on a weekend, a week, a month or a holiday to disconnect from social media.

Words by Dorothy Black 
Photography: Unsplash