If you were to construct a Venn diagram containing two large ellipses, one entitled ‘smartphones,' and the other ‘relationships,' the point where these intersected would be vast. Relationships lie at the heart of human civilization, but the smartphones keeping a high percentage of us permanently attuned with daily events is surely its virtual lifeblood, with billions of connections keeping people rooted to their screens 24/7. So many people are using dating sites like this, with smartphones forming an integral part of the way these sites operate. Here are some of the ways smartphone technology has changed relationships.  

Strong introductions, fulfilling relationships

  Where relationships are concerned, the most potent aspect of owning a smartphone is the ability to download dating apps. Once you possess this technology in the palm of your hand, a universe of possibilities opens up. You’ll have 24/7 access to a diverse pool of potential talent, and the ability to choose which individuals match your aspirations. Dating apps allow you to get to know people really well in a short period of time, and go on to develop meaningful relationships.  

The downside: beware of ghosts

  Getting involved in regular contact with prospective partners is easily done via your smartphone. Unfortunately, there can be a degree of flippancy where some site users are concerned. The relative anonymity of communicating via apps means until a genuine rapport develops, there will always be the temptation to move on and check out other possibilities. The sudden disappearance of someone you previously seemed to have a good enough relationship with is known as ghosting. This is certainly not uncommon.      

Smartphone suspicion

  Smartphones allow us to be tuned in to what's going on in our lives to a far greater extent than ever before, documenting our social patterns and activities. They can also prompt unwarranted snooping. If one person is suspicious their partner might being guilty of infidelity, the first place they might go to dig out possible clues would be their partner's smartphone, in order to snoop on conversations, texts, and e-mail messages.  

Instant communication: good points

  A smartphone can be an indispensable aspect of any relationship, for any number of reasons. On a practical level, it allows people to remain in touch should there be circumstances which might impinge on a meeting time, for instance. Smartphones are so much more than handsets to allow conversation, the ability to download a myriad number of apps giving access to a wide world of technological enhancements. Dating apps are amongst the most prominent examples of smartphones harnessing technology to make our social lives so much more convenient.  

Instant communication: bad points

  The ease with which you can tap into this information superhighway can also be a hindrance where relationships are concerned. People can feel irrationally compelled to check in to social media or browse through news sites or YouTube videos, at any time of day, no matter where they happen to be. Obviously, there's no harm doing this in moderation. But many relationships have been seriously hampered when one party spends an inordinate amount of time glued to their smartphone screen at the expense of natural conversation.  

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