Protecting Your Marriage from Digital Distractions

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise. Ephesians 5:15 calls us to live intentionally, which includes how we engage with technology in our marriages. While smartphones and screens connect us to the world, they can also disconnect us from the people we love most. Protecting your marriage from digital distractions is about reclaiming time, attention, and intimacy.

The Impact of Technology on Relationships

Studies from the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships reveal that couples who spend excessive time on devices report 20% lower relationship satisfaction. The average person spends over 7 hours a day on screens, according to Common Sense Media. When screens dominate, emotional and spiritual intimacy can suffer.

Tips for Reducing Digital Distractions in Marriage

1. Set Boundaries with Devices
   Establish tech-free zones, like the dinner table or bedroom, to prioritize uninterrupted connection. Commit to designated times for checking emails or social media, ensuring that your focus remains on each other.

2. Unplug Regularly
   Schedule screen-free evenings where you can engage in meaningful activities like walking, cooking together, or reading Scripture. These moments foster connection and create space for deeper conversations.

3. Communicate About Technology
   Discuss how technology use affects your relationship. Share your feelings and agree on guidelines for balancing digital time with quality time as a couple.

4. Focus on Quality Connection
   Replace passive scrolling with active engagement. Plan regular date nights, pray together, or simply spend time enjoying each other’s presence without the distraction of devices.

Encouragement for the Journey

Reclaiming time from digital distractions is not about rejecting technology but about prioritizing what matters most. Your marriage is worth the intentional effort to stay connected emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. By being mindful of how you live, as Ephesians 5:15 reminds us, you build a marriage centered on love and presence rather than screens.

Call to Action

Ready to strengthen your marriage? Join our upcoming workshop on digital boundaries for couples. Visit www.famemphis.org for more details.

Because when you choose each other over distractions, you build a marriage that reflects God’s design for connection and unity.