Technology has provided us with incredible ways to stay connected, especially during times of loneliness and physical distance. However, it has also changed how we engage in our most intimate moments, whether with a partner or ourselves. We're more likely to sext than speak or to consume pleasure through screens rather than being fully present.
However revolutionary it may be, technology is quietly creating a gap in our human-to-human connections. From Netflix on autoplay to the endless Instagram scroll that replaces eye contact and group chats that offer validation faster than your partner's touch ever could, many of us are caught in a tech loop that's hard to break.
So what was once a warm-up to something exciting, whether it be a cheeky message, a late-night FaceTime, or a shared erotic playlist, has now become the main event that sees us entering an era of digital foreplay over real connection.
While we’re all for tech here at Hot Octopuss, we want to encourage you to invest in tech that brings you closer, not pulls you away. That’s where our toys come in.
Our Survey Says...
As part of our recent "What's Really Happening in the Bedroom?" survey, we asked the Hot Octopuss community to spill the truth about their tech habits between the sheets, and the results were more revealing than we expected. A surprising 11% admitted to doing work-related tasks during sex, while 32% confessed to texting mid-act. Even more shocking? 34% said they scroll social media during sex. It's clear that the bedroom is no longer a sexy, screen-free zone but rather a place that is causing more of a gap than we like to admit.
Whether it’s a quick glance at an email from your pushy boss or checking if your latest post is getting likes, whatever’s drawing your eyes to your phone during sex is doing more than just killing the vibe; it’s quietly chipping away at connection. These moments of distraction may seem small, even harmless, but they add up, and over time, they send a clear message: the screen comes first, not the person beside you.
Why It’s a Problem
On average, people check their phones 144 times a day, but how many times are we truly connecting with a loved one? With one of the biggest breakdowns in relationships being communication, it’s no surprise that constant digital distraction is taking a toll on our ability to be present with another person rather than a screen. When our attention is sucked in by technology, those small missed moments of connection can slowly add up to emotional distance and physical distance and ultimately affect the relationship in and out of the bedroom.
And it’s not just couples feeling the disconnect; singles have it just as tough. With an overwhelming number of dating apps, social platforms, and swipe-based interactions, many are stuck in a cycle of constant checking in online. The result? A culture driven by instant gratification, where the spark burns fast but rarely lasts and where true intimacy feels harder to come by, as screens offer quick fixes.
It’s Time For 'Right Tech, Right Time.'
At Hot Octopuss, we’re not anti-tech. We’re pro-pleasure tech. The key difference? Pleasure tech is designed to enhance intimacy, not distract from it.
We get it; it's hard to put down your phones and start connecting. But instead of reaching for your phone the next time you feel the temptation to do so, reach for your partner instead. Or yourself. Or one of our toys! According to research from the European Journal of Social Psychology, they say it takes an average of 66 days to form a new habit. So here are our top tips for creating new habits starting today!
Keep a toy next to your bed.
Instead of grabbing the phone, grab a toy. Our toys, like the Pulse Solo Essential or the Pulse Duo, don’t require a screen to spark a connection. They’re hands-free, pressure-free, and perfect for slowing things down. Whether you’re solo or partnered, they create space for curiosity, closeness, and exploration. No Wi-Fi needed.
Reclaim the bed as a pleasure zone.
Many of us treat our beds like a second office, so start by ditching the laptop, leaving your phone charging elsewhere in the home, and making your bed a screen-free sanctuary. Keep lube, toys, and sensory treats close by instead, anything that invites exploration rather than distraction.
Set a 10-minute intimacy timer.
Before bed, give yourself 10 minutes without screens to cuddle, kiss, use a toy, or just be together. Ask each other how your day was and what you both need to feel connected for 10 minutes or just simply be still. It’s a small but powerful way to train your brain to seek pleasure in being present, not your phone as an escape.
Ready to break the cycle?
If you’re craving real connection and want screen-free satisfaction, it might be time to switch up your tech. Our award-winning toys are designed to bring you back to the moment, whether you’re solo or with a partner.
From hands-free sensations to toys that work from a flaccid state, Hot Octopuss offers tech that turns you on without turning you off.
Explore our full range today and start building new habits.
