Page 121 - Never Too Far Away? The Roles of Social Network Sites in Sojourners’ Adjustment

Facebook use: A double edged sword for romantic relationships?
This study advances theory by demonstrating a possible mechanism that could help clarify and disentangle the complex relation of SNSs use and relationship quality. Previous studies have not reached a consensus regarding the association of SNSs use and relationship quality (Clayton et al., 2013; Hand et al., 2013; Kirk, 2013; Muise et al., 2009; Utz & Beukeboom, 2011). We found that there were two possible opposing processes: First, when individuals accessed relationship-related support from their Facebook network, Facebook use could impact romantic relationships in a positive way. Second, Facebook use could have a direct negative impact on romantic relationship quality.
The value of Facebook use. Our study validates the findings of previous research that individuals (Ellison et al., 2007; Papacharissi & Mendelson, 2008) and romantic relationships (Utz & Beukeboom, 2011) could benefit from SNSs use via access to social capital and network support. We found that Facebook use was positively associated with Facebook relationship support. Moreover, we found that Facebook relationship support was positively associated with relationship stability among those in LDRR but not in GCRR. Facebook use also had an indirect positive effect on relationship stability among those in LDRR. These findings suggest that Facebook relationship support is less important for the survival of GCRR. For those in LDRR, Facebook relationship support could be critical because they have limited opportunities as a couple to engage in offline social activities and events with their shared network. These social experiences are often venues where network members are able to show and express their affirmation of couples’ relational identities. Social affordances associated with Facebook use could be compensating for the limited face-to-face opportunities to experience such social processes in LDRR (Jiang & Hancock, 2013; Dainton & Aylor, 2002). On Facebook, geographically disparate couples have a venue to present relational links and mutual belonging that might encourage validating responses and behaviors from their network. These social processes are considered vital in the maintenance of romantic relationships (Felmlee, 2001; Tong & Walther, 2011).
Access to Facebook relationship support was shown to be associated with greater relationship satisfaction in both LDRR and GCRR. Via Facebook, relationship partners may access relational information that contributes to more positive feelings towards their relationship (Billedo et al., 2015; Felmlee, 2001; Fox et al., 2013; Vitak, 2014). Having friends expressing their approval and emotional support, and having people to talk to and ask assistance from with regards to their
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