Youve been there. We all have. You and a friend, significant other or family member are discussing where to head for dinner or what to wear for your night out. And for one reason or another, you both can't agree.
But you may be in luck. If Google develops its latest patent into an actual technology, the search engine may put those text arguments to rest.
Earlier this week, Google filed a new patent for technology that can instantly populate Google search results into a text message for both texters to see, which would effectively put an argument to an end, Quartz reported.
Weve all been there. With the proliferation of smartphones, arguments tend to last about as long as it takes someone to Google the answer to whatever theyve been arguing about. Now, however, Google might have found a way to settle such arguments almost instantly, Quartzs Mike Murphy reported. This would stop arguments dead in their tracks."
So, for example, if a couple was debating about whether or not a restaurant was open on Sunday, the instant Google results would send both texters the answer, without either of the partners doing the search themselves.
Heres an image Google filed with its patent of what the new product would look like in real time.
Theres no guarantee that Google will be adding this service to any of its products anytime soon, and a Google spokesperson told Quartz that some patents turn into products, and some dont, Murphy wrote. But it would definitely be a welcome addition for anyone with argumentative friends though they might argue otherwise.
For families and married couples, this new product could limit some of the damage from text arguments, which can sometimes create distance between couples that hurts relationships, according to Lois Collins of Deseret News National.
In fact, a study from the Journal of Couple and Relationship Therapy found that serious relationship conversations and arguments that occur over text could potentially make one partner want to leave the relationship, or at least change the way they view their partner, because neither partner gets the personal connection through text that they get in real life, according to the study. It makes a partner feel like they're arguing with a random stranger, rather than their significant other.
"People are using technology at really high rates now to connect with one another," School of Family Life professor Jonathan Sandberg told Deseret News National. "There are some things you can do with texting that are helpful to a relationships and some that aren't. To connect and express affection is good. To try to resolve serious issues, apologize or be critical and say hurtful things it's bad for you."
Psychology Today's John M. Grohol said texting arguments are often too short to resolve relationship issues and often require an in-person discussion afterward. Text arguments are also a form of what psychologists call "avoidance," where couples avoid talking about larger issues in person, which can hurt a relationship, too.
"Youre avoiding the topic rather than facing it head on, using texting as a way to sort-of talk about it, but without all that messy irrationality that comes with a regular, direct conversation," Grohol wrote.
But this doesnt have to be the case. Grohol says the best practice may be to resolve issues in person, where couples should expect to deal with both positive and negative emotions. Text message arguments, though, should be avoided.
"Need to talk to your spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend or partner about something serious?" Grohol asked. "Put down the phone and talk to them next time you see them. Youll be happy that you did."
But you may be in luck. If Google develops its latest patent into an actual technology, the search engine may put those text arguments to rest.
Earlier this week, Google filed a new patent for technology that can instantly populate Google search results into a text message for both texters to see, which would effectively put an argument to an end, Quartz reported.
Weve all been there. With the proliferation of smartphones, arguments tend to last about as long as it takes someone to Google the answer to whatever theyve been arguing about. Now, however, Google might have found a way to settle such arguments almost instantly, Quartzs Mike Murphy reported. This would stop arguments dead in their tracks."
So, for example, if a couple was debating about whether or not a restaurant was open on Sunday, the instant Google results would send both texters the answer, without either of the partners doing the search themselves.
Heres an image Google filed with its patent of what the new product would look like in real time.
Theres no guarantee that Google will be adding this service to any of its products anytime soon, and a Google spokesperson told Quartz that some patents turn into products, and some dont, Murphy wrote. But it would definitely be a welcome addition for anyone with argumentative friends though they might argue otherwise.
For families and married couples, this new product could limit some of the damage from text arguments, which can sometimes create distance between couples that hurts relationships, according to Lois Collins of Deseret News National.
In fact, a study from the Journal of Couple and Relationship Therapy found that serious relationship conversations and arguments that occur over text could potentially make one partner want to leave the relationship, or at least change the way they view their partner, because neither partner gets the personal connection through text that they get in real life, according to the study. It makes a partner feel like they're arguing with a random stranger, rather than their significant other.
"People are using technology at really high rates now to connect with one another," School of Family Life professor Jonathan Sandberg told Deseret News National. "There are some things you can do with texting that are helpful to a relationships and some that aren't. To connect and express affection is good. To try to resolve serious issues, apologize or be critical and say hurtful things it's bad for you."
Psychology Today's John M. Grohol said texting arguments are often too short to resolve relationship issues and often require an in-person discussion afterward. Text arguments are also a form of what psychologists call "avoidance," where couples avoid talking about larger issues in person, which can hurt a relationship, too.
"Youre avoiding the topic rather than facing it head on, using texting as a way to sort-of talk about it, but without all that messy irrationality that comes with a regular, direct conversation," Grohol wrote.
But this doesnt have to be the case. Grohol says the best practice may be to resolve issues in person, where couples should expect to deal with both positive and negative emotions. Text message arguments, though, should be avoided.
"Need to talk to your spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend or partner about something serious?" Grohol asked. "Put down the phone and talk to them next time you see them. Youll be happy that you did."
