Emerging adult perceptions of costs and benefits of using information and communication technology in dating relationships

Abstract

Rapid technological advancements have revolutionized the dating experiences of emerging adults. This study explored perceptions of information and communication technology within emerging adult romantic relationships and examined what young adults perceived to be the costs and benefits of using technology to communicate in dating relationships. Emerging adults (N = 118) from diverse backgrounds completed a semi-structured interview and thematic analysis was conducted on the interview responses. Several themes were identified that highlighted the positive influence of technology on relationship communication (e.g., greater efficiency), relationship development, and relationship maintenance. Despite several benefits, broad negative impacts of technology were also identified, including less privacy in relationships, and oversharing of relationship information online. The findings provide context for how technology has influenced relationship dynamics among emerging adults and can be useful to inform modern theories of romantic relationship development and relationship interventions.