Technology has proven time and time again to have a huge impact on our relationships. “In more recent times technology has begun changing and affecting how we feel about each other,” says Dia Hicks, relationship expert and founder and CEO of SwaGGerscan. “While more people around the world every day are discovering technology for the first time, technology itself is still in the infant stage, still needing more constructs that help protect humanity from itself.”

*Related: 20 Bad Habits That Could Hurt Your Relationship

If you’re one of the many people who wake up and reach for their smartphone first thing in the morning, you could be hurting your relationship. According to research by the American Psychological Association, young people tend to find their smartphones indispensable, even to the point of feeling like they can’t live without them.

"For many disabled people, some communicative technology (such as social media) has given them a lifeline to the outside world where previously there was none,” disability advocate, Lisa Cox, says. “In some cases this has led to a reduction in things like isolation and depression."

“Although more and more couples are currently meeting for the first time online, studies show that more and more relationships are ending due to social media also,” Dia Hicks, relationship expert and founder and CEO of SwaGGerscan, says. According to recent polling conducted by The Law Firm of Slater and Gordon, one in every seven married individuals revealed they considered divorce because of their spouses’ questionable social media activity.

Technology – smart phones and computers – allow “fast and easy personal access to connect and remain in touch with the person you love, especially if residing apart,” Dr. Karen Phillip, Counselling Psychotherapist, says.

Gaming could have a negative influence on your relationship. If you find yourself ignoring your relationship, friends and family because you are participating in technology games instead of personal contact this could be a red flag, Phillip says.

“Ignoring your partner while engaging mainly on your device thereby ignoring the person you are with,” Phillip says.

See: Dating Mistakes That Could Lead to a Messy Relationship

"Most people now engage in four-somes: 2 partners and 2 phones in the bed at the same time," says Amanda Lambros, Relationship Expert & Sexologist in Private Practice & Clinical Fellow at Curtin University. “As more and more people are working long hours, they tend to 'catch up' on what's happening on social media while in bed just before going to bed.”

Couples should reconnect over dinner by disconnecting. “Go out to dinner and take a look around, most people are spending more time gazing into their screens than gazing into each other’s eyes,” Lambros says. “Take the time to leave the technology at home or in the handbag under the table and re-focus on one another.”

“Emotional attentiveness has been compromised by the dopamine hit we receive from social media,” Joanne Wilson, Neuropsychotherapist and Relationship Therapist of TheConfidante Counselling, says. We “often prioritize that over our partner and loved ones in the room.”

“Partners can more easily be aware of one another’s movements with technology, Shane Warren, psychotherapist, certified clinical supervisor, and certified practicing hypnotherapist, says. For instance, “shared family diaries so we know who’s on the school run and who’s picking up from soccer, etc. This convenience can really take stress out of the household.”

Yes, emojis are nice, but a hug is definitely better. Sometimes we need a pat on the back and a kiss goodnight to feel appreciated. Technology has made it easier to forget the importance of personal touch.