Evaluating the use of social media in escalating conflicts in romantic relationships

Abstract

Conflict in romantic relationships is a natural phenomenon. However, the use of social media by romantic partners has been described as a means of escalating conflicts in romantic relationships. This study sought to find out the effects of social media use on conflict in romantic relationships through the mediating variables of jealousy, infidelity, and monitoring The study recruited 373 individuals who are in romantic relationships. The findings of this study revealed a significant relationship between social media use and conflict in romantic relationships. This study also affirmed that jealousy, infidelity, and monitoring romantic partners are significant mediators between social media use and conflict in romantic relationships. Importantly, the study revealed that social media use is not a predictor of infidelity in romantic relationships.