Let’s WhatsApp! Generation X couples’ online and offline relationship patterns in the digital age

Datos Bibliográficos

ID12656604
AutoresTal Nadel Harony (0000-0003-0239-814X, Reichman University, autor de correspondencia), Gali Einav (0000-0002-1831-4484, Reichman University), Y Galily (0000-0001-5308-5675, Reichman University)
Año2021
Volumen25
Número12
Páginas3370-3391
Fecha de publicación2021-09-19
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaNew Media & Society (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1461-4448 • E-ISSN: 1461-7315
EditorialSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/14614448211043192
OpenAlexW3198992334
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas3
Referencias citadas22

This article proposes that WhatsApp can offer insights into couples’ relationships. Based on Gottman’s therapy model, which mathematically analyzes marital conflicts, this study focuses on couples’ WhatsApp correspondence and asks to what extent it reflects the offline relationships of Generation X. The research was conducted over a year using semi-structured interviews with 18 couples who have been in a relationship for at least 5 years. The couples described their discourse on WhatsApp and the dynamics of their relationship offline. The findings indicate that WhatsApp use mirrors offline relationships. The following four types of interaction were identified: (1) technical, (2) practical, (3) casual, and (4) emotional. In addition, the following three patterns of conflictual behavior that correspond with Gottman’s distinctions were identified: (1) logical, (2) emotional, and (3) avoidant. The article cites WhatsApp’s potential for behavioral observation and the possibility of using it to change relationship dynamics

Casual · Dynamics (music · Instant messaging · Online and offline · World Wide Web · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Computer Science · Digital Marketing and Social Media · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Psychology · Social Psychology