Jan 11, 2026
Technology is now embedded in nearly every aspect of daily life. Phones manage our schedules, connect us to work, and offer constant access to information and social interaction. For many parents, devices also feel necessary for caregiving logistics, employment demands, and staying connected to support systems.
At the same time, research has begun to identify a pattern that deserves careful attention: technoference.
Technoference refers to interruptions in face-to-face interactions or shared time caused by digital device use. The term was coined by researcher Dr. Brandon McDaniel to describe how phones, tablets, and other devices interfere with interpersonal relationships, particularly within families.
Examples of technoference are often subtle and unintentional: checking a notification during playtime, responding to a message while a child is talking, scrolling at the dinner table, or being physically present but mentally elsewhere. Individually, these moments may seem insignificant. Over time, their cumulative effect can be meaningful. Technoference is not about “too much screen time” in a general sense. It is about divided attention during moments that rely on presence, responsiveness, and relational attunement.
Early childhood and adolescence are periods when learning happens primarily through interaction. Children develop emotional regulation, communication skills, and a sense of safety through repeated experiences of being noticed, responded to, and engaged with. Research suggests that frequent technoference can reduce parental responsiveness and positive interaction. When attention is regularly interrupted, children may receive fewer verbal cues, less eye contact, and delayed responses. Over time, this can affect how children seek connection and regulate distress.
Some children respond by withdrawing. Others respond by escalating behaviours. Acting out, interrupting, or increased emotional intensity can be attempts to regain attention rather than signs of intentional misbehaviour. Importantly, these patterns are not a reflection of parenting values or care. They are often the result of technology that is specifically designed to capture and hold attention.
Technoference does not only affect children. Studies also link device-related interruptions to higher levels of conflict and lower relationship satisfaction between partners. When one person consistently experiences the other as distracted or unavailable, it can create feelings of being deprioritized or ignored. Over time, this may erode emotional closeness and increase tension, particularly in already high-demand seasons such as early parenting.
Again, the issue is rarely conscious choice. The “always-on” nature of modern technology makes disengagement difficult, especially when work, caregiving, and social expectations all converge on the same device.
Human attention is finite. Digital platforms are designed to compete for it aggressively through notifications, alerts, and variable rewards. This design interacts with the brain’s natural sensitivity to novelty and urgency. As a result, even brief device use can disrupt the flow of interaction. Re-engaging fully with a child or partner often takes longer than the interruption itself, especially for young children who rely on consistency to feel secure. Understanding this helps shift the conversation away from blame and toward awareness.
Addressing technoference does not require eliminating technology. It requires intentional boundaries and realistic expectations.
Helpful starting points include:
• Noticing when device use overlaps with relational moments
• Identifying specific times that are especially important for presence, such as meals, bedtime, or transitions
• Creating device-free routines rather than constant self-monitoring
• Silencing non-urgent notifications during family time
• Pausing to ask, “Can this wait?” before engaging with a device
Small, consistent changes are often more effective than rigid rules.
From a mental health perspective, technoference is best understood as a relational and systemic issue, not an individual or moral failure. Parents are navigating unprecedented levels of demand with tools that blur the boundaries between roles. Awareness is the most important first step. When parents understand how divided attention affects connection, they are better equipped to make choices that align with their values and their child’s needs.
At VOX Mental Health, we work with parents and families to explore how technology intersects with stress, attachment, and emotional regulation. Therapy can provide space to reflect on patterns, reduce guilt-driven narratives, and develop practical strategies that fit real life. Parenting does not require perfection. It requires presence, repair, and support. If you’re noticing tension, disconnection, or overwhelm in your family, support is available. Understanding technoference is not about doing more, but about doing what matters, more intentionally.
Resources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28493400/
https://www.childrenandscreens.org/learn-explore/research/what-is-technoference/
