A new study by the Barna Group shows that Americans are tethered to their tablets, cell phones and laptops like never before. This reality has changed the way Americans view relationships, faith and work.

The study, released March 11, shows that we experience life through a digital lens, sometimes for better and sometimes for worse. Here are a few top findings from the study applied to my own relationship to technology:

1. More than one-third of adults (36 percent) stop whatever they’re doing to check their devices when they get a new text or message. (Guilty. In spades!)
2. Nearly the same number (35 percent) admits their personal electronics sometimes separate them from other people. (My husband resents the time I spend “talking” to people on the phone. “Put that phone down,” he says, “and pay attention to me.” Again, guilty.)
3. Only 21 percent of Americans say they set time aside each day to connect with God. (Not guilty. Jesus is the center of my life, and I take time each day to pray, read sacred writings and meditate.)
4. Although Americans have their share of tablets and phones, 47 percent in the study say it’s made them more productive, while 53 percent believe their devices have made them more distracted. (Not guilty. Since I’m not a techie—just ask our tech support people! So I’m not usually sidetracked by too much technology.)
5. Less than half of Americans surveyed (42 percent) feel satisfied with their work/life balance. Even fewer are happy with their relationship boundaries (38 percent), their levels of overall stress (28 percent) and their practice of rest (39 percent). (Not guilty. Because Jesus is the center of my life, all of my priorities stem from him and move outward.)

Widespread digitalization is part of our society and is here to stay. It’s up to us to use technology as an aid—not a substitute for—relationships with people and with God.

That takes time and effort. If you think dashing off a quick email or text is true communication, think again. You may be a lot less connected than you think.

For more information, go to www.barna.org.