Advancements in technology have altered how and when communication occurs between individuals in a relationship. Although research has investigated how new information communication technologies (ICTs) affect peer relationships and parents' communication with their young children, how ICTs influence parent-adult child relationships is less clear. Based on media multiplexity theory (MMT), this study tested whether the number of media used to interact influences communication and relationship satisfaction for emerging adult children. Results indicated that the number of media parents and emerging adult children utilize to maintain their relationship does modestly influence communication and relationship satisfaction. Furthermore, these results imply that utilizing additional media can offset a parent's low communication competence. These findings extend MMT to family relationships and underscore the importance of communication competence in communication and relationship satisfaction.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

Courtship processes vary widely across cultures. In westernized cultures, the more casual form, dating, is commonplace. The diversity of individuals involved in dating grew significantly in the last few decades of the twentieth century, as interracial, homosexual, and older couples began to date more publicly. However, contemporary heterosexual dating still largely follows traditional gender roles. Several factors are influential in predicting whom a person will date: proximity, perceived similarity, and physical attractiveness. Cellular phones and other modern technologies have influenced both how couples meet and how they maintain their relationships. Courtship has negative aspects as well, including rejection, breakup, infidelity, abuse, and health risks.