The simple way to bring your family closer

New research reveals how to instantly increase quality time together

Mobile devices are often blamed for diverting our attention, but according to a new study, they can actually help bring us closer – if used correctly.

Listening to music with friends or family – be it on a phone, stereo or old-fashioned radio – can bring people closer to those they care about. The key is choosing and tuning in together, according to new research from Sonos, an American audio company.

“We found that when people played music, they ate together more often as a family, they spent more time in a room together, they were intimate together more often and there was less screen time,” explained Dr Linda Papadopoulos, who was involved in the project.

The study, which included 30,000 people from eight countries, revealed that one reason why music works well at connecting people is because it allows them engage in other activities at the same time.

“We can do this while we’re cooking together or talking about your day or eating together,” Dr Papadopoulos said.

“The simple act of saying whose night is it to choose the playlist… and then talk about it – it’s such a great conversation starter.”

“But also beyond that – because it has the ability to affect your mood, to relax you and calm you… perhaps things that are on your mind will just flow easy because of that as well.”