Mancunian’s would rather have some fun playing on the latest technology than with their other half, according to a survey.
The research by Durex found that lovers in the North West are letting technology get in the way of their sex lives.
The last few years have seen a boom in the amount of gadgets available to the public, ranging from Smart phones and Tablets to iPods and Mp4 Players.
The survey found one in six people from the North West have actually answered their phone or read a text message whist in the throws of passion and a staggering 5% of people even admitted to checking their Facebook pages.
Sex and relationship expert, Susan Quilliam, said: “Many people find love through dating websites or social media – but it’s a worrying trend that many are also feeling gradually ousted in their relationships in favor of interaction online.”
According to the poll, a significant number of people are opting for tech over sex, with 28% of people admitting that a device has distracted their other halves whilst they were getting intimate.
“There is, of course, a great place for technology in our lives but habitual use and reliance on our gadgets can lead to bad habits in relationships,” said Susan.
Almost a quarter of people believe that technology is getting in the way of their sex lives, with 63% admitting that they spend more time using their electrical devises than they do having sex.
Dominique Simm, 26, from Manchester, admitted to answering her phone whilst fooling around with husband Danny.
“Whilst enjoying some ‘afternoon entertainment’ with my other half my Mum rang and I accidently answered it mid-flow,” said Dominique.
“When she noticed I had to pretend we were painting our house and hoped that would explain some of the noises.”
“We definitely spend more time playing on our iPads and Kindles in bed than we do playing with each other – even though we’re newlyweds.”
This coming Saturday, Durex is celebrating Earth Hour and is encouraging couples to switch everything off and spend time focusing on each other.
Earth Hour is an annual event, organised by charity WWF, to encourage people around the world to turn off their lights for one hour to celebrate their commitment to the planet and Durex has found the perfect way to pass the time.
“Durex believes nothing should get in the way of great sex but our growing obsession with phones, laptops, TVs and Tablets isn’t bringing us closer together, it’s pushing us apart,” said Ukonwa Ojo, Global Marketing Manager.
“This Earth Hour let’s log off and switch off; use it as an excuse to swap our laptops for some loving and ditch our phones to enjoy some foreplay. Let’s turn off to turn on!”
As an eye opener to all of the people who are being blind sighted by gadgets, Durex have made a short film which follows the lives of couples who are turned on by what is in their hands – modern day tech!
Durex has described the film as ‘a passionate plea to escape the screen and embrace the physical’.
Sexpert Susan said: “Durex’s film is a great reminder that we need to take time out to get up close and intimate with our lovers, and reconnect with their needs face-to-face.”
Mikie Davey, 27, recently moved from Manchester to Dubai with girlfriend Lucy and admitted that bad bedroom habits have started to creep in.
“The fact I’ve been with Lucy for four years means that playing on electronics or watching Netflix or YouTube in bed happens more. When we first got together I didn’t see my phone for days.
“I tend to stay up and watch footy or play online much more often but if it was obvious that it was being offered up I’d be in bed in a heartbeat.
“Now I know about Earth Hour, I’ll get a nice bottle of wine and some tea lights,” said Mikie.
Earth Hour is between 8:30-9:30pm on Saturday March 29 but don’t forget to partake responsibly otherwise you may have a Christmas baby on your hands!
For more information on Earth Hour visit: earthhour.org
Picture courtesy of Andres Nieto Porras, via Flickr, with thanks
