Abstract
The constant availability of digital devices can create opportunities for digital connection or distraction in couple relationships. Prior research has investigated the effects of personal technology use during shared couple time, but how the relational process of commitment may be tied to personal technology use during shared couple time is not yet fully understood. In the current study, we examined whether individuals’ level of relationship commitment would be associated with their likelihood of using technology while with their partner during shared leisure time in a sample of 1065 adult participants. Participants (Mean age = 35.73 years) from across the U.S. who were in a current relationship (62% married) completed an online survey. Nearly all the participants reported that individual use of technology during couple leisure occurred “sometimes” or more often. The most common ways technology was used alone were to use the internet and check for phone notifications. Finally, a linear regression model revealed that individual use of technology during shared leisure time was more common among less committed individuals. Although we cannot assume causation, the current results support that levels of commitment to a relationship may influence technology behaviors in the presence of one’s partner. Additionally, prior research has shown that technology use during shared couple time may result in perceptions of technoference, phubbing, and lower relationship satisfaction. Therefore, individuals may wish to limit technological behaviors that could be viewed by a partner as interfering with their time spent together. The field would continue to benefit from more research to understand the potentially complex links between relationship feelings, such as commitment, and technology use behaviors in relationships.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-28-2022
Publication Title
Partners with lower relationship commitment are more likely to use technology during couple leisure time
Recommended Citation
Matthew, J., & McDaniel, B. T. (2022, July). Partners with lower relationship commitment are more likely to use technology during couple leisure time. Parkview Mirro Center for Research and Innovation.