
By Thabo Peyi
Feb 5th, 2025
4 min read
Discovering your digital love language

Humans have become extremely dependent on technology to connect and communicate over the past few decades. As a result, the way we express our love for one another in the current digital era has changed. South Africans, on average, spend just over five hours a day on their phones, further proving the impact of digital technology on how we communicate with one another.
According to renowned relationship expert Gary Chapman, there are five fundamental love languages: words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time, gift-giving, and physical touch. With our reliance on technology, the way we express these love languages has changed from the typical norms of the past. Although many may wish we expressed these love languages as our parents did, that isn’t always possible. Even if you and your partner are in different places, technology allows you to stay connected and still fulfil their love language.

Words of affirmation
Words of affirmation is the love language where your partner longs for kind and affectionate words, as well as words of praise and encouragement. In the digital era, words of affirmation can take many forms, from a simple text or voice note saying, “I love you,” “Good morning, I hope you have a great day,” or expressing any kind of affection you feel for them, to commenting with a heart emoji or heart-eyes emoji under something they’ve posted on social media.
Words of affirmation can also mean showing appreciation when your partner does something thoughtful for you, such as cooking you a nice lunch for work or arranging something you were unable to do.

Acts of service
People whose love language is acts of service live by the notion that actions speak louder than words. Instead of saying “I love you” like those who appreciate words of affirmation, show them!
In a non-digital world, this could be demonstrated by fixing something for them, cooking for them, running errands, or simply doing something that reduces their workload or stress. In the digital world, not much has changed – with so many apps and websites available, practising acts of service is easier than ever. Examples of this could include ordering your partner Uber Eats, recommending Netflix shows, creating a Spotify playlist, Venmo-ing them money when they need it, or even helping them lower their monthly expenses by finding coupons and deals. In short, acts of service can be seen as helping to make your partner’s life easier and less stressful.

Quality time/physical touch
When we think of quality time, we often associate it with being physically together. However, with the rise of technological innovation, the concept of quality time can be even more enjoyable than you might have imagined.
Digitally, we know that physical touch is nearly impossible. However, it shares similar characteristics with quality time, as you can still connect intimately with your partner on a deep level by spending quality time together.
In the digital era, quality time takes many forms, with FaceTiming and video calling being among the most popular. With FaceTime, you can share the details of your day as if you were in the same place. These features are also perfect for cooking together virtually or having online dinner dates. Playing online games is another great way to spend quality time—few things bring people closer than bonding over games and a bit of friendly rivalry.
Other platforms, such as Netflix, make virtual quality time easy and fun. With a Watch Party, you can enjoy the same movie in real time, no matter where you are. RSAWEB is the leading ISP on the Netflix Speed Index, ensuring seamless connectivity. Let us help you stay connected so you can enjoy uninterrupted quality time during the month of love and

Gift giving
In the digital age, gift-giving might be seen as one of the easier love languages due to the vast array of options available, as well as the ease with which one can practice it.
The saying “It’s the thought that counts” takes on the utmost importance when it comes to gift-giving. It is always essential to be thoughtful and personal in your approach. In the digital age, gift-giving can take the form of a personalised playlist for your partner featuring all their favourite music, Netflix recommendations of movies and shows you know they will enjoy, or even gift cards for Takealot and other online stores. The possibilities are endless.
The principle of gift-giving doesn’t change much between real life and digital life—always be thoughtful with your gifts, and your partner will always be appreciative.
Understanding your partner’s love language is important for a successful relationship, and in this digital age, it allows us to meet our partner’s needs without being in the same place.
So, this month, there’s no excuse not to be a better partner and make your partner happy!
Related
Categories
All
Entertainment
Self Help
Tech News
Company Updates
Community
Social Media
Latest Blogs
RSAWEB, South Africa’s best-rated ISP, has claimed the top spot…
Discover how to express love digitally using the five love…
Discovering your digital love language

Thabo Peyi
Feb 5th, 2025
4 min read

Humans have become extremely dependent on technology to connect and communicate over the past few decades. As a result, the way we express our love for one another in the current digital era has changed. South Africans, on average, spend just over five hours a day on their phones, further proving the impact of digital technology on how we communicate with one another.
According to renowned relationship expert Gary Chapman, there are five fundamental love languages: words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time, gift-giving, and physical touch. With our reliance on technology, the way we express these love languages has changed from the typical norms of the past. Although many may wish we expressed these love languages as our parents did, that isn’t always possible. Even if you and your partner are in different places, technology allows you to stay connected and still fulfil their love language.

Words of affirmation
Words of affirmation is the love language where your partner longs for kind and affectionate words, as well as words of praise and encouragement. In the digital era, words of affirmation can take many forms, from a simple text or voice note saying, “I love you,” “Good morning, I hope you have a great day,” or expressing any kind of affection you feel for them, to commenting with a heart emoji or heart-eyes emoji under something they’ve posted on social media.
Words of affirmation can also mean showing appreciation when your partner does something thoughtful for you, such as cooking you a nice lunch for work or arranging something you were unable to do.

Acts of service
People whose love language is acts of service live by the notion that actions speak louder than words. Instead of saying “I love you” like those who appreciate words of affirmation, show them!
In a non-digital world, this could be demonstrated by fixing something for them, cooking for them, running errands, or simply doing something that reduces their workload or stress. In the digital world, not much has changed – with so many apps and websites available, practising acts of service is easier than ever. Examples of this could include ordering your partner Uber Eats, recommending Netflix shows, creating a Spotify playlist, Venmo-ing them money when they need it, or even helping them lower their monthly expenses by finding coupons and deals. In short, acts of service can be seen as helping to make your partner’s life easier and less stressful.

Quality time/physical touch
When we think of quality time, we often associate it with being physically together. However, with the rise of technological innovation, the concept of quality time can be even more enjoyable than you might have imagined.
Digitally, we know that physical touch is nearly impossible. However, it shares similar characteristics with quality time, as you can still connect intimately with your partner on a deep level by spending quality time together.
In the digital era, quality time takes many forms, with FaceTiming and video calling being among the most popular. With FaceTime, you can share the details of your day as if you were in the same place. These features are also perfect for cooking together virtually or having online dinner dates. Playing online games is another great way to spend quality time—few things bring people closer than bonding over games and a bit of friendly rivalry.
Other platforms, such as Netflix, make virtual quality time easy and fun. With a Watch Party, you can enjoy the same movie in real time, no matter where you are. RSAWEB is the leading ISP on the Netflix Speed Index, ensuring seamless connectivity. Let us help you stay connected so you can enjoy uninterrupted quality time during the month of love and beyond!

Gift giving
In the digital age, gift-giving might be seen as one of the easier love languages due to the vast array of options available, as well as the ease with which one can practice it.
The saying “It’s the thought that counts” takes on the utmost importance when it comes to gift-giving. It is always essential to be thoughtful and personal in your approach. In the digital age, gift-giving can take the form of a personalised playlist for your partner featuring all their favourite music, Netflix recommendations of movies and shows you know they will enjoy, or even gift cards for Takealot and other online stores. The possibilities are endless.
The principle of gift-giving doesn’t change much between real life and digital life—always be thoughtful with your gifts, and your partner will always be appreciative.
Understanding your partner’s love language is important for a successful relationship, and in this digital age, it allows us to meet our partner’s needs without being in the same place.
So, this month, there’s no excuse not to be a better partner and make your partner happy!