Excessive smartphone use can cause many conflicts in life. PHOTO: AFP

According to the latest research from security firm Kaspersky, "love in the connected world" has both advantages and challenges that need to be considered. Specifically, as many as 55% of couples surveyed admitted to having argued about excessive phone use.

Today, many people use phones to stay in touch with family and friends as well as loved ones. Many couples frequently use phones and online messaging to strengthen their relationship: 8 out of 10 people regularly stay in touch online with their significant other when they are far apart, and 62% agree that communicating via phone and internet helps them feel closer to each other, especially for those in long-distance relationships (75%).

Leveraging digital technology also involves shared devices, with 53% reporting that their relationships have improved since sharing online activities, such as using the same account and phone. While sharing phones has many positive aspects, it also has negative sides that need to be considered.

Research indicates that phone use can also lead to arguments between couples over a range of related issues such as phone abuse or cybersecurity incidents.

For example, 51% of couples argue about the devices used during meals or conversations. Additionally, 55% argue with their partner about spending too much time on their phones, a figure that rises to 58% among couples living together, higher than couples dating but not living together (49%). This suggests they dislike feeling neglected and want their partner to always pay attention to them when they are together.

However, excessive phone use isn't the only reason for conflict. For example, logging into a device can also be a source of arguments in relationships. Nearly 24% of couples argue after their partner's phone gets infected with malware, and 19% blame each other when one partner loses money online due to carelessness or malware.

As you can see, couples who share a phone often argue about the issues mentioned above, so in modern relationships, devices can sometimes be a "friend" but also an "enemy".

The study, conducted by Kaspersky and analytics firm Toluna in January 2018, was based on a survey of 18,000 people in 18 countries. All participants were over 18 years old and had been in a relationship for more than six months.