Testing relationships between smartphone engagement, romantic partner communication, and relationship satisfaction

Abstract

As smartphone technology has spread rapidly across the globe, growing concern has spotlighted how these devices can limit the quality of our communication with others and harm interpersonal relationships. The current study examined how self-reported smartphone use and smartphone dependency were associated with romantic partner communication, and how these variables subsequently tied to relationship satisfaction. Working with a sample of 433 American young adults in romantic relationships, the study found that smartphone use was associated with increased communication between romantic partners, and increased mediated communication between partners predicted more affectionate communication. Conversely, increased smartphone dependency was directly associated with less affectionate communication and lower relationship satisfaction. The study offers insights into how smartphones potentially affect how we connect with romantic partners.