Patterns of Technology Use and Relational Outcomes Among Emerging Adults

Abstract

Technology has become a prevalent part of daily life, leading to new patterns of communicating and interpersonal dynamics. Despite the impact of technology on relationships, research focusing on technology as it applies to couples and families has been very limited. Although it has been shown that technology can have both positive and negative relational outcomes the understanding of how it is influencing relationships is still lacking. Additionally, research has not adequately addressed the effects among emerging adults who are of particular interest because they use technology at the greatest rates and are at a significant developmental phase for learning to navigate their relationships. The current study used data that was collected at East Carolina University, including 614 total participants. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the connections between patterns of technology use, jealousy, and relationship satisfaction among an emerging adult sample using attachment theory as the theoretical foundation. The research questions being addressed include: 1) Are patterns of technology use, and patterns of technology use with one's romantic partner predicted by one's attachment style? 2) What is the nature of the connection between technology and attachment, and experiences of jealousy in emerging adults' romantic relationships? 3) In what ways are attachment, technology use, technology use with one's romantic partner, and experiences of jealousy predictive of relationship satisfaction during emerging adulthood? Regarding the first research question, the results indicate that increased attachment insecurity was related to higher frequency of technology use and technology use with romantic partner. Next, the results indicated that attachment insecurity was related to increased rates of jealousy, and a trend was found between technology use and jealousy. Finally, the results indicated that increased attachment insecurity and jealousy both negatively impacted relationship satisfaction. Technology use not found to be predictive of relationship satisfaction, indicating that potentially technology use only impacts relationship satisfaction through its influence on jealousy.