po polsku
illustration: Bing AIModern marital relationships have undergone a remarkable transformation in the age of social media. Three researchers, Oqab Jabali, Bilal Hamamra, and Fayez Mahamid from An-Najah National University in Nablus, Palestine, explored the impact of social media on communication in relationships. Their findings were published in the journal Nature, Humanities and Social Sciences Communications.
“Modern relationships and social media: exploring the digital dynamics of husband–wife interactions” highlights how digital platforms have become an integral part of daily life, influencing communication methods and interactions. The study, conducted among 388 Palestinian couples from the West Bank, sheds new light on the issue.
Over 60% of respondents live in rural areas, significantly shaping their perception of social media. Couples from these regions exhibit a more optimistic view of technology’s impact on their relationships. Additionally, 40.2% of participants use social media for 2 to 4 hours daily, placing them in the moderate user category.
Social Media Builds Bridges of Understanding
One of the most significant aspects of the study is the analysis of social media’s impact on communication in relationships. The findings show that:
- 2.72 out of 5 points for improving communication between spouses through social media.
- 3.16 points for the ability to maintain contact during physical separation.
Despite its moderate impact on communication, platforms like Facebook and Instagram often help build bridges between partners, particularly in young relationships. In practice, this means more frequent interactions and easier access to emotional support, addressing the needs of modern couples.
Challenges of Technological Intimacy
However, not everything looks rosy. The report reveals that social media often becomes a source of tension:
- 3.73 points for perceived exposure to temptations and relationship threats.
- 3.34 points for increased jealousy and feelings of insecurity.
Examples include situations where partners monitor each other’s online activities, leading to misunderstandings and tension. In such cases, a lack of open communication can escalate conflict.
Impact of Demographic Factors
An intriguing finding of the study is the difference in social media perceptions based on gender, location, and education level:
- Women are more likely to view social media as a positive element in relationships.
- Couples from rural areas have a more optimistic outlook compared to city residents.
The table below shows variations in social media usage depending on the length of the marriage:
| Years of Marriage | 2–4 Hours Daily | 4–6 Hours Daily | More than 7 Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 5 years | 56 | 36 | 12 |
| 6–10 years | 24 | 32 | 12 |
| 11–15 years | 28 | 16 | 0 |
| More than 15 years | 48 | 28 | 12 |
These data indicate that younger marriages more frequently engage with social media, likely due to greater technological proficiency.
According to social exchange theory (SET), relationships are based on a balance between benefits and costs. In the context of social media, benefits such as greater connectivity and emotional support are weighed against costs like jealousy and privacy disruption. Achieving balance requires conscious management of digital habits and open communication between partners.
* * *
The study “Modern relationships and social media: exploring the digital dynamics of husband–wife interactions” was conducted in April 2023. The authors analyzed data from 388 couples from the West Bank. Respondents represented various demographic groups, including urban and rural residents, couples with varying marital durations, and different education levels. The study methodology relied on a 23-question survey addressing social media use and its impact on aspects of relationships like communication, trust, intimacy, and conflict resolution. The rating scale was based on a five-point Likert scale.
The full study is available at:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-024-04289-3
COMMERCIAL BREAK
New articles in section Media industry
New generations and the end of traditional news. Reuters Institute report
Krzysztof Fiedorek
Traditional news media are losing touch with the youngest generation of audiences, who grew up in a digital environment. Young people aged 18 to 24 spend time online continuously and expect publishers to take a fresh approach to presenting reality, according to a report by the Reuters Institute.
TVs in Europe, the USA and China. What and how we watch on them
Paweł Sobczak
The Living Room Study shows significant differences in video content consumption across different regions of the world. This is the result of diverse media ecosystems shaped by decades of local broadcasting, channel availability, and strong cultural factors.
Cinema in the era of algorithms and AI
Arkadiusz Murenia
Will artificial intelligence kill the creativity of filmmakers? The most honest answer is: no, AI is unlikely to kill the creativity of filmmakers, but it will very clearly change the place where this creativity manifests itself and, above all, how.
See articles on a similar topic:
Print Advertising in Poland. Analysis by Polskie Badania Czytelnictwa
BARD
Analysts at Polskie Badania Czytelnictwa (Polish Readership Surveys) have compiled statistical data highlighting the reach, engagement, and opinions regarding print advertising campaigns. These insights are valuable for marketers aiming to plan and optimize advertising budgets.
Equality and Diversity in Media: European Broadcasting Union Report
KFi
European public media are increasingly focusing on diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) as the foundation of their operations. Public broadcasters in Europe are implementing diversity strategies - both in content and within their teams. The findings from the report are clear: although progress is visible, many challenges remain.
Hate speech is contagious and leads to harm [EXPERT OPINION]
Karolina Kropiwiec
‘If we are in an environment where certain groups of people are insulted, there is a high probability that we will start using such language ourselves; hate speech is contagious and its consequence is someone's harm,’ says Dr. Michał Bilewicz from the Centre for Research on Prejudice at the University of Warsaw.
Virtual Influencers Perceived as More Authentic than Real Ones
Agnieszka Kliks-Pudlik
Virtual influencers are fictional, generated characters that imitate the appearance and behaviour of real people. They have millions of followers. They are perceived by Gen-Alpha as even more authentic than real people, which creates many challenges, says Dr. Ada Florentyna Pawlak.
