Facebook intensity, social network support, stability and satisfaction in long-distance and geographically-close romantic relationships: A test of a mediation model

Abstract

The impetus for this study is the proposition that social network sites (SNSs), like Facebook, can be beneficial for romantic relationships via network support functions. This study investigated a model which proposes that the use of Facebook predicts relationship support from Facebook connections, and this, in turn, predicts relationship stability and satisfaction in romantic relationships. This mediation model was tested on data gathered via an online survey among individuals who use Facebook, who are in long-distance (LDRR, n = 142) and geographically-close romantic relationships (GCRR, n = 314). GCRR participants reported higher levels of Facebook intensity and relationship support, as well as perceived relationship stability and satisfaction than participants in LDRR. Moreover, the results indicated that Facebook intensity predicted higher access to Facebook relationship support in LDRR and GCRR which, in turn, predicted perceived relationship stability and satisfaction in LDRR; and only perceived relationship satisfaction in GCRR. However, Facebook intensity had direct negative impacts on relationship satisfaction in GCRR, and on perceived relationship stability in LDRR. Facebook intensity and Facebook relationship support were not associated with relationship stability in GCRR. This demonstrates the relative importance of SNSs, such as Facebook, in relationship stability for those in LDRR.

The mediating effects of network overlap and network uncertainty in the investment model

“…Similarly, perceptions of network helpfulness positively contribute to intimacy levels in couples (Knobloch & Donovan-Kicken, 2006). Lastly, increased online support from Facebook friends is positively linked to both relationship stability and satisfaction in long distance relationships (Billedo et al, 2020).…”

Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: Simultaneously examining the association between three social networking sites and relationship stress and satisfaction.

“…For instance, in some studies, Facebook use was associated with conflict (Clayton et al., 2013) and jealousy (Muise et al., 2009; Utz & Beukeboom, 2011), whereas other studies found that high Facebook use was associated with relationship satisfaction (Billedo et al., 2020; Saslow et al., 2013). One explanation for the lack of consistency among these related studies may be due, in part, to the trouble of identifying the many different social functions on SNSs (e.g., timeline scrolling, network messaging, partner surveillance, checking upcoming events; Billedo et al., 2015; Billedo et al., 2020; Frampton & Fox, 2018; Muise et al., 2014; Utz & Beukeboom, 2011). Thus, this study uses an active SNS measure in an attempt to include the broadest range of possible SNS activities rather than the variety of individual activities that can occur on SNSs.…”

“…Indeed, the role of communication technologies in romantic relationships has increasingly altered the dynamic of romantic relationships to be predominantly accessed online (Alhabash & Ma, 2017;Clayton et al, 2013;Clayton, 2014;Fox & Moreland, 2015;Frampton & Fox, 2018;Utz, 2022;Yacoub et al, 2018). As a result, many studies have been conducted to investigate the complex interactions 2 DELLE, CLAYTON, JORDAN JACKSON, AND LEE between SNS use and romantic relationships (Billedo et al, 2020;González-Rivera & Hernández-Gato, 2019;Elphinston & Noller, 2011;Frampton & Fox, 2018). Although SNSs may be helpful to keep in touch with family and friends, there is a growing body of research showing that increased SNS use can be detrimental to romantic relationships (for a recent review, see Utz, 2022).…”

“…between SNS use and romantic relationships (Billedo et al, 2020;González-Rivera & Hernández-Gato, 2019;Elphinston & Noller, 2011;Frampton & Fox, 2018). Although SNSs may be helpful to keep in touch with family and friends, there is a growing body of research showing that increased SNS use can be detrimental to romantic relationships (for a recent review, see Utz, 2022).…”

“…Additionally, previous studies examining the associations between SNS use and relationship outcomes have had inconsistent findings (Billedo et al., 2020; Ferguson, 2013; Muise et al., 2009). Perhaps the inconsistency among these related studies is due, in part, to the trouble of identifying the various social functions of SNSs (e.g., network messaging, partner surveillance, checking upcoming events) and determining the parameters of active (e.g., posting) and passive (e.g., timeline scrolling) SNS use.…”