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

Dados Bibliográficos

ID12656604
AutoresTal Nadel Harony (0000-0003-0239-814X, Reichman University, autor correspondente), Gali Einav (0000-0002-1831-4484, Reichman University), Y Galily (0000-0001-5308-5675, Reichman University)
Ano2021
Volume25
Fascículo12
Páginas3370-3391
Data de publicação2021-09-19
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoNew Media & Society (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1461-4448 • E-ISSN: 1461-7315
EditoraSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/14614448211043192
OpenAlexW3198992334
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas3
Referências 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