TY - JOUR
T1 - The impact of communication technologies on life and relationship satisfaction
AU - Goodman-Deane, Joy
AU - Mieczakowski, Anna
AU - Johnson, Daniel
AU - Goldhaber, Tanya
AU - Clarkson, P. John
PY - 2016/4/1
Y1 - 2016/4/1
N2 - Previous studies have shown a relationship between the use of communications technology and well-being, particularly mediated through its effect on personal relationships. However, there is some debate over whether this effect is positive or negative. The present study explored this issue further, examining whether the effect varies depending on the type of communications technology, and the nature of the personal relationship. An online survey was conducted with 3421 participants in three countries (Australia, UK and US). It examined the use of ten communication methods, overall satisfaction with life and satisfaction with four different kinds of relationships (close and extended family, and close and distant friends). Results indicate that richer communication methods, which include non-verbal cues, were positively associated with both overall satisfaction with life and satisfaction with relationships. These methods included face-to-face communication, and phone and video calls. Conversely, more restricted methods, such as text messaging and instant messaging, were negatively associated with both variables. Social networking was negatively associated with overall satisfaction, but not with satisfaction with relationships. The strength of the association between a communications method and satisfaction with a relationship varied depending on the type of relationship, but whether it was positive or negative did not change.
AB - Previous studies have shown a relationship between the use of communications technology and well-being, particularly mediated through its effect on personal relationships. However, there is some debate over whether this effect is positive or negative. The present study explored this issue further, examining whether the effect varies depending on the type of communications technology, and the nature of the personal relationship. An online survey was conducted with 3421 participants in three countries (Australia, UK and US). It examined the use of ten communication methods, overall satisfaction with life and satisfaction with four different kinds of relationships (close and extended family, and close and distant friends). Results indicate that richer communication methods, which include non-verbal cues, were positively associated with both overall satisfaction with life and satisfaction with relationships. These methods included face-to-face communication, and phone and video calls. Conversely, more restricted methods, such as text messaging and instant messaging, were negatively associated with both variables. Social networking was negatively associated with overall satisfaction, but not with satisfaction with relationships. The strength of the association between a communications method and satisfaction with a relationship varied depending on the type of relationship, but whether it was positive or negative did not change.
KW - Communications technology
KW - Relationships
KW - Social connectedness
KW - Social media
KW - Well-being
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84957535981&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.chb.2015.11.053
DO - 10.1016/j.chb.2015.11.053
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84957535981
SN - 0747-5632
VL - 57
SP - 219
EP - 229
JO - Computers in Human Behavior
JF - Computers in Human Behavior
ER -