Running head: EFFECT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS
Effect of Social Media on Romantic Relationships
JoAnna Otero
Lorain County Community College
EFFECT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS
Abstract
Social media is considered a staple in many people’s lives today and plays a big role in many
romantic relationships. The present investigation examined the effect of social media on
satisfaction in romantic relationships in 30 adults between the ages of 18 and 55 who were asked
to complete an online survey. This study compared social media users vs. non-social media users
and proposed that the more active at least one partner is on social media, the more dissatisfaction
there is in the relationship. Contrary to the hypothesis, this study did not find a significant
difference in relationship satisfaction of social media users vs. non-social users.
EFFECT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS
Effect of Social Media on Romantic Relationships
Social media is rapidly becoming a staple in people’s lives and it is having an impact on
relationship satisfaction. The rise of smartphones and growing options of social networking apps
changes the way people communicate on an intimate level. Hand, Thomas, Buboltz, Deemer
and Buyanjargal (2013) found that people consider intimacy one of the most important aspects of
a relationship and that it has the power to buffer against negative forces. However, social media,
when overused, may have a negative effect on intimacy.
Social media can drive an emotional wedge between couples when at least one partner’s
usage is high. Nongpong and Charoensukmongkol (2016) researched how excessive social media
use affects a partner’s perception on their relationship. Adults ages 18 and up were administered
