Introduction to the Problem
According to new research results, parents compete with devices and distractions when trying to communicate with their child. A survey among parents of children under the age of 18 showed that their child has their phone in 52% of the time when they tried to speak to them. This means that more than three quarters (78%) of the parents are concerned about spending less time in real conversations with their child.
The Impact of Devices on Family Interactions
But it’s not just a child problem. According to the results, the respondents say that their own partners have "telephone distraction" for 58% of their conversations. And even though 74% had a device-free conversation with their child last week, only 64% had the same chance with their partner. To combat this, 82% of parents have put a kind of "no phones" rule into force in certain activities such as dinner (47%), family film evenings (38%), and even family outings (28%).
Barriers to Connecting with Relatives
But telephones are not the only barrier to connecting with relatives. According to the results, parents feel like they are competing with busy schedules (49%), housework (48%), labor obligations (43%), and constant activities (32%). In fact, the parents make “appointments” for something as simple as quality time with their family and friends, appointments with their partner, time for training, and even self-care.
The Effects of Constant Connectivity
The survey was carried out by Talkers Research on behalf of the Solo oven and examined how parents feel overwhelmed in the over-connected 21st century. The results showed that constant connectivity may have created a fifth attachment. Almost three out of five of these respondents (57%) often check their phone to determine that they have no notifications. More than one of five (22%) even admits that it was a year or more since they had a personal, honest conversation about their hopes and dreams.
Longing for Authentic Connection
While 40% had a belly laugh last week, only 38% had a hangout outdoors with family and friends. Another 10% cannot remember when they last personally met one of their neighbors. This can be the reason why seven out of 10 (71%) would like to return to a less digitally connected world. The parents surveyed currently spend an average of three days a week with friends and family in the backyard. But if this backyard room were more inviting, 89% would probably spend more time together.
Conclusion
Ultimately, 78% agreed that at the end of the day, the world feels more separate and more overwhelming than ever before. Of these, 90% agree that for this reason, people are more lonely and isolated than ever. "We heard from the parents that many believe that the world has become increasingly separated," said a spokesperson. "Seventy-seven percent of them announced that they are worried that they lose real conversations with their children and say that life is more overwhelming today than ever before."
Finding Meaningful Connections
According to the results, meaningful discussions take place in the evening (45%) or at night (30%). In fact, when it comes to promoting new friendships with neighbors, both their own (37%) and the backyard of their new friend (35%) were among the three best locations to spend time together. This may be due to the fact that 79% agree that you feel more like yourself when you spend time with loved ones outdoors.
The Role of Nature in Connecting
"Since many families are looking for opportunities to feel better connected, our research shows that their backyards and nature can play an important role," said a spokesperson. "In fact, 89% of the people said that if they were more inviting, they would spend more time together. Whether family, friends or neighbors, if they step outdoors, create the chance to hold the screens, to have real conversations and to strengthen the most important bonds."
Survey Methodology
Talker Research interviewed 2,000 parents of children under the age of 18; the survey was commissioned by the solo oven and managed online between August 29 and September 4 and carried out online.
