Here is the result from my primary source used in my research paper.
Michelle: Dr. Pamela, do you council any couples that are having problems due to any sort of technology?
Dr. Pamela: “Yes, I actually do.”
Michelle: What sort of problems do you come across with your patients that deal with technology?
Dr. Pamela: Well, the most reoccurring problem that I come across is website pornography mostly on the husbands end. I also come across couples (men and women) that are having a difficult time with each other because of insecurities when it comes to networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook. One other problem I run into is husbands or wives feeling neglected from their partners because so many people are taking their work home nowadays that there is hardly anytime spend with the family.
Michelle: Do you feel that these problems could eventually turn into divorce or are they usually things that couples can work out?
Dr. Pamela: “Always our ultimate goal with counseling is to try and work out the problems the couple is having and have them remain together but sometimes the problems continue or there are other issues that are so deep that the couples decides to part ways.”
Michelle: What is the best advice that you can give couples that are having these issues in their marriage?
Dr. Pamela: “Well, with things like pornography that can definitely be an addiction so depending on how frequently the person is resorting to that I would say that a support group would be very helpful. With other things like the networking sites and just over use of the internet I try and just talk it out with the person and determine why this is going on and how often? Why is it important to you and do you realize how much it hurts and bothers your partner? Once all of these things are out in the open then it is really up to the person to decide to stop or not. Lastly, with taking work home with you I really feel that there is a time and a place for work and a time and a place for family. I personally think there needs to be a separation between the two or it could be very detrimental to your relationship.”
Michelle: Do you as a professional think that there can be any good that comes out of technology for couples?
Dr. Pamela: “Honestly, yes I actually do. I have met so many couples that have met their spouses from dating sites on the internet and most of them are actually really happy. I think that sites like EHarmony and Match.com are very safe and effective alternatives and I would suggest this more than meeting someone at a bar or night club.”
Michelle: Lastly, do you feel that since all the technological advances that may be a reason for the higher divorce rate?
Dr. Pamela: “I definitely think that could be apart of it, anything that is over excessive whether it be with technology or otherwise could be potentially harmful to a relationship. One thing that I do believe is that more couples are unfaithful to one another because of networking sites. I think that if you are married you should definitely keep yourself in reality and know that you need to be carful what you are doing on your computer. The fact is that relationships are hard enough with out you throwing something like technology into the mix.”
