Relationship experts say AI-enabled technology could prevent domestic conflicts before they happen and increase family harmony.
Paul C. Branson says artificial intelligence could handle many of the household chores that often cause tension.
The professional matchmaker, author, life coach and co-host of Celebs Go Dating and Married at First Sight UK says common firebrands like leaving the lights on can be eliminated with AI-enabled tech that can show you 3D maps of your home and control connected devices from your smartphone.
Similarly, there are refrigerators that can manage “use by” dates, thus negating the argument about food expiration dates, and even technology that can take over household chores like vacuuming.
His insights are based on a survey of 2,000 people who live with others and found that people typically have two disagreements a day, lasting about three minutes each. That equates to 45 minutes a week and 39 hours a year – the equivalent of 26 football games.
The research was commissioned to mark the launch of Samsung UK’s new campaign, “You and AI. Together”, and shows how the company’s AI-enabled products work together to bring balance to modern family life and assist families with everyday household chores.
Top irritating family stressors include not turning off the lights (28%), neglecting household chores (24%), and the classic “leaving things on the floor” (23%).
Yet despite these nerve-wracking factors, only 8% of people have used AI to help with household chores.
One in four believe AI will be a peacekeeper in domestic disputes and help reduce disagreements with others in the household.
Turning off the lights (19%), appliances that allow you to control your energy usage (17%) and refrigerators that warn you when food is nearing its expiration date (15%) are the top technological developments that people think would help reduce tension.
Paul C. Branson said the rise of AI-powered technology should be more widely embraced, which could result in greater happiness for households.
He said: “Domestic arguments are a part of everyday life, but I think we can all agree that it’s best to reduce or avoid arguments where possible.”
“Open and honest communication is key and having regular family meetings to air feelings helps with that.
“But the rise of AI technology could have a revolutionary effect on ending disagreements. Right now, AI is an underused tool.”
The poll found that 87% agreed that arguments are petty, and 65% agreed that sometimes a lively debate is necessary to clear the air.
More than a quarter (28%) blamed their partner for the conflict, and 26% admitted to being the main troublemaker.
And according to OnePoll’s figures, 36% proudly proclaimed themselves to be the peacekeeper in the home, while only 17% said they were their partner.
Branson added: “Not only does AI give us back precious time, it also essentially brings peace of mind and reduces tension in the home.”
Deborah Honig, head of Samsung Electronics UK and Ireland, said: “Our AI-enabled products are designed to work in harmony with you and your family, offering help when you need it most.”
“It’s like having an extra pair of hands to vacuum the floor after a morning of messy play.
“The pace of modern life is often fast and intense.”
Paul C. Brunson’s 5 tips for reducing family conflict
1. Having an open family meeting allows you to address recurring issues. It also gives you time to come up with solutions together. Make sure everyone’s opinions are heard. This is essential to moving forward.
2. There’s no guessing about responsibilities, so there’s no confusion. A chore chart or similar is a great visual cue to encourage people to do their fair share. Rotating chore responsibilities also helps to avoid boredom.
3. Get to know each other better. For example, cooking dinner together allows the main chef in the house to teach the other family members his or her skills and why an otherwise fun activity can become frustrating when dirty dishes pile up in the sink or the dishwasher is full of clean dishes.
4. Discussing arguments in a neutral environment outside the home reduces the intensity of emotions and keeps the conversation objective and respectful. This can be very helpful if you are having recurring conflicts with certain family members.
5. If you are not good at verbal communication, it is okay. Try writing letters to your family. This way you can express your feelings and thoughts without the pressure of face-to-face communication.
