Page 122 - Never Too Far Away? The Roles of Social Network Sites in Sojourners’ Adjustment

partner could have facilitated relationship satisfaction. Note that although the effect of Facebook relationship support on satisfaction was significant for both LDRR and GCRR, the effect was significantly higher in LDRR. This implies the relatively greater value of Facebook social support in LDRR than in GCRR.
The threat of Facebook use. Our findings show that general Facebook use was directly associated with decreased levels of relationship quality. The results indicated that Facebook use was directly negatively associated with relationship stability in LDRR. In short, Facebook use threatens the survival of LDRR. It could be that the use of Facebook, if it is not purposive nor partner/relationship-directed, distracts LDRR individuals from performing relationship maintenance behaviors on Facebook. The results suggest that the general, non-targeted use of Facebook could diminish relationship stability (Burke & Kraut, 2016; Verduyn, Ybarra, Résibois, Jonides, & Kross, 2017. Among GCRR couples, Facebook use was not directly associated with relationship stability; there was also no mediation effect for Facebook use and relationship stability via Facebook relationship support. Together, these results imply that Facebook was not considered essential for the survival of GCRR.
In GCRR, Facebook use was negatively associated with relationship satisfaction. Previous studies among those in a romantic relationship from the general population have shown that general Facebook use was associated with negative affects in the relationship (e.g., jealousy and suspicion) (Muise et al., 2009; Tokunaga, 2010; Utz & Beukeboom, 2011). The findings of this current study is consistent with previous research, demonstrating that SNS use in GCRR undermines positive feelings or the sense of satisfaction about the relationship. In contrast, Facebook use was not directly associated with relationship satisfaction in LDRR. It could be that for those in LDRR, feelings associated with Facebook use were more varied and encompassing (e.g., positive and negative affects) (Utz & Beukeboom, 2011). With limited face-to-face social interactions, this medium could function as a venue for diverse social experiences as a couple (Tong & Walther, 2011).
Thus, our findings suggest that general Facebook use (without accounting for relationship support) could be detrimental to one’s relationship. However, the indirect effects (i.e., accounting for relationship support) showed the opposite results. Facebook use, via relationship support, increased relationship satisfaction in GCRR and LDRR; and stability in LDRR. Previous studies have shown that it is the active and targeted form of communication with significant others on SNS that
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