DIGITAL DEPENDENCY AND INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS AMONG YOUNG MARRIED COUPLES

Abstract

Digital devices are now present in nearly every aspect of married life, ranging from everyday organisation to providing emotional support and offering leisure activities. Yet, research has associated heavy or difficult-to-control use of smartphones, social media, and the internet referred to as digital dependency with reduced closeness between partners. This review summarizes the existing literature on how digital dependency might be related to the interpersonal relationships of young married couples. It outlines the main concepts, identifies the recurring themes in the research, examines the possible links between digital habits and the quality of the relationship, and highlights the methodological problems that should be taken into account when interpreting the evidence. The review considers digital dependency not just as a matter of the number of hours spent on screens but also includes perceived control, compulsive checking, the interruption of shared attention (a phenomenon often known as phubbing or technoference), and jealousy caused by the use of social media. It also views interpersonal relational well-being as being multi-dimensional, encompassing trust, communication, emotional closeness, conflict, and relationship satisfaction. The review looks at phubbing, social media surveillance and jealousy, attachment vulnerability, cultural and gender differences, and the more positive and enriching ways in which digital technology can be used in marriage. It also points out the evidence gaps that are important for a focused study of young married couples, especially those outside North America and East Asia.