The Pleasures and Perils of Technology in Intimate Relationships

Abstract

Technologies have rapidly become pervasive parts of people's lives and relationships. Within intimate couple relationships, partners may use technologies for many functions, including communicating, sharing affection, planning, and learning about one another. There is growing recognition that these functions can create both positive and negative outcomes for couples. The purpose of this study was to conduct an in-depth examination of the potential positive and negative impacts of technology for intimate couple relationships. Data from an electronic survey of 225 undergraduate and graduate university students were subject to content analysis procedures to identify themes in participants' perspectives toward the impact of technology on their relationships-both beneficial and deleterious. The counseling and research implications of the identified themes are addressed.

Virtual Relationships and Systemic Practices in the Digital Era

“…Given this situation, the idea for this Special Issue developed during the follow-up to a symposium organized by the guest editors at the European Family Therapy Association Murray and Campbell 2015;Morgan et al 2016;Vossler 2016). Besides, we have to consider the impact of ICTs on psychological development and individuation processes since early stages of life (e.g.…”

“We Agree and Now Everything Goes My Way”: Consensual Sexual Nonmonogamy, Extradyadic Sex, and Relationship Satisfaction

“…32 Nonetheless, not all online interactions are detrimental to romantic relationships. 33,34 For example, Grov and colleagues 35 showed that moderate or light amounts of online sexual activities can yield relationship benefits, including increases in the quality and frequency of sex, and greater intimacy with the primary partner. This seems to depend on the agreements conveyed in the relationship and on what role technologymediated behaviors play in the relationship.…”

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

“…A growing reliance on smartphone technologies for social interactions has triggered an onslaught of research into the social and mental health implications for individuals (Liu et al, 2019). Meanwhile, the empirical literature on mobile communication in romantic relationships remains sparse (Murray & Campbell, 2015;Norton et al, 2018). Although LDR couples have been finding ways to cultivate satisfying relationships long before the dawn of smartphones, results from the current study provide evidence for a uniquely beneficial role of frequent and responsive text messaging for people in LDRs (but not GCRs).…”