The Impact of Texting on Perceptions of Face-to-Face Communication in Couples in Different Relationship Stages

Long-distance texting: Text messaging is linked with higher relationship satisfaction in long-distance relationships

“…There are some indications that video-chatting is related to greater relationship satisfaction ( Goodman-Deane et al, 2016 ; Hampton et al, 2017 ; Janning et al, 2018 ), but research remains in its infancy and positive effects are not always found ( Hertlein & Chan, 2020 ). Some studies have found that more frequent texting is linked to greater relationship satisfaction ( Luo & Tuney, 2015 ), ratings of partner accessibility and engagement ( Schade et al, 2013 ), and lower conflict in face-to-face interactions ( Novak et al, 2016 ). Texting a romantic partner to provide assurances, express affection, and communicate emotions has also been shown to have positive associations with overall relationship satisfaction ( Brody & Peña, 2015 ; Coyne et al, 2011 ; Slatcher et al, 2008 ).…”

Long-distance Texting: Text Messaging Predicts Relationship Satisfaction in Long-distance Relationships

“…A greater benefit appears to lie in the use of texting for relationship maintenance, such as providing assurances, expressing affection and appreciation for the relationship, and emotional communication (Brody & Peña, 2015;Slatcher et al, 2008). When conceptualized in this manner, texting has been linked with higher ratings of partner accessibility and engagement (Schade et al, 2013), less conflict in face-to-face interactions (Novak et al, 2016) and higher relationship satisfaction (Brody & Peña, 2015;Coyne et al, 2011).…”

Media and the family.

“…For instance, couples most often use cell phones to communicate and interact with their partner, followed by text messages, email, social networking sites, instant messaging, blogs, and webcams. Other research shows individuals use media within their relationships for the purposes of flirting, partner surveillance, or breaking up (Meenagh, 2015), with internal motivations ranging from desiring and expressing affection (Novak, Sandberg, Jeffrey, & YoungDavis, 2016) to connecting, bringing up confrontational subjects, apologizing, or as a means of hurting one' s partner . Media use within relationships differs by age and length of relationship; for example, people who are younger and have been married 1 year or less use media more often than couples who are older and have been married more than 1 year.…”

“…Research generally suggests that media can have both a positive and negative effect on romantic relationships. Particularly, increased media use in romantic relationships has been shown to be associated with greater love, commitment ( Jin & Peña, 2010), intimacy, support (for individuals with higher anxious attachment; Morey et al, 2013), relationship maintenance (Billedo, Kerkhof, & Finkenauer, 2015), and attachment (Luo, 2014), as well as decreased relational uncertainty ( Jin & Peña, 2010), couple conflict (Novak et al, 2016), and intimate partner violence (Schnurr, Mahatmya, & Basche, 2013). Thus, research indicates that media use within romantic relationships can both enable positive outcomes and protect against undesirable outcomes.…”