University of Twente Student Theses
The Association Between Social Media Use and Romantic Relationship Outcomes: A Scoping Review
Nguyen Tien, N.V. (2025) The Association Between Social Media Use and Romantic Relationship Outcomes: A Scoping Review.
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| Abstract: | As social media usage continues to grow globally, its impact on romantic relationships has drawn significant research attention. While social media can positively influence relationships, it also poses risks. This scoping review synthesizes recent literature to clarify how specific social media behaviours interact with romantic relationship outcomes and to identify mediating and moderating factors shaping these effects. A review across three databases (Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science) identified 14 studies meeting predefined inclusion criteria. Information was extracted on study characteristics, sample characteristics, social media platforms, social media usage behaviours, relational outcomes, and mediators/moderators. Most studies used cross-sectional designs and focused on relationship maintenance, commonly examining platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Intrusion was the most studied behaviour. Relational outcomes, categorized as relational, individual, or behavioural, included satisfaction, commitment, well-being, conflict, negative outcomes, marital disaffection, and digital dating abuse. Mediators and moderators were similarly grouped. The findings show that relational outcomes depend on how individuals use social media and the mediating/moderating factors involved. However, fragmented results made it difficult to draw consistent conclusions. Given the dynamic nature of social media, ongoing research is crucial to better understand its evolving influence on romantic relationships and well-being. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology MSc (66604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/104912 |
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