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Where are you reading this right now? Snuggled up in bed, on your smart phone or tablet? If so, you might want to think twice about getting your news and gossip fix while your partner lies next to you.
The research suggests that 70 per cent of women say technology is interfering with their intimacy - dubbed technoference.
"You see it everywhere," Sarah Coyne, psychologist at Brigham Young University and an author of the study, said.
"Like at a restaurant where couples have their phones, both of them, on the table, right there. I think that is so easy for them to pick it up if it buzzes."
The research acknowledges it looks at just a small sample of society, focusing on 143 married or cohabiting heterosexual women. Participants were quizzed on their phone, TV, tablet and computer habits and how their partner uses technology. They were also asked about any conflicts surrounding the use of gadgets and about life and relationship satisfaction in general.
The biggest problem seemed to be computers, followed by mobile phones. And when presented with five scenarios, 62 per cent of women said a partner picking up their phone interrupted "couple leisure time" at least once a day.
Other annoyances included switching off from conversation because of something on TV or taking out his phone in the middle of a chat or a meal. A quarter of women also reported their partners sending messages to other people while speaking to them face to face.
A worrying finding was the way it made women feel. Arguments about gadget use generally meant a poorer relationship overall and lower life satisfaction.
"It's not silly for couples to make rules about technology," said Dr Coyne advised. "Just having the discussion about what's OK and what's not when it comes to devices at the dinner table or in the bedroom can help."
If it's becoming a serious problem for your relationship, don't be afraid to lay down the law. Suggest at least one evening a week where you both ditch the gadgets and focus on each other. If you go out, maybe even consider leaving your phones at home.
If it's you who's the technology addict, try weaning yourself off slowly. Place your phone out of reach when your partner is talking to you and ban any gadgets for at least two hours before bed. It won't just leave more time to spend with your other half - it will help you sleep, too.
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