Page 123 - Never Too Far Away? The Roles of Social Network Sites in Sojourners’ Adjustment

contributes to positive outcomes (e.g., higher social support, wellbeing), while the passive use of SNS is mostly associated with negative outcomes (Burke & Kraut, 2016; Verduyn et al., 2017). In relation to this current study, it appears that SNS use, if used purposively for relationship-related activities, could be beneficial for one’s sense of stability and satisfaction in the relationship.
Concurrent use of communication technologies
Our findings also show that LDRR and GCRR couple members differed in their frequency of communication with specific channels when communicating with their partner. LDRR couple members used instant messaging (e.g., Whatsapp, Viber, etc.) and video calls (e.g., Skype) more than participants in GCRR. GCRR couple members used SMS and phone calls more than participants in LDRR. One possible reason for this might be the difference in costs for using these communication channels. Instant messaging and video calls are Internet-based communication channels and, for most people, are free as long as one is connected to the Internet. SMS and phone calls are free or relatively cheap if users are within the same geographic region, but can be costly if long-distance. Another possible reason could be the differences in affordances that these communication platforms provide. For example, video calls, compared to SMS or phone calls, are channels with greater bandwidth. For those in LDRR, video calls were more preferred most likely because of the higher need for real time face-to-face/visual interactions with the partner, compared to those in GCRR.
Among the various communication platforms, we found that video calling had a relatively more significant impact on the model we proposed. In a previous study, Skype (a video calling app) was ranked as the most frequently used communication platform among LDRR couples (Kirk, 2013). In this current study, we found that video calling is the second most used communication platform with partner in LDRR (while second least used in GCRR). Video calling had positive associations with relationship stability and satisfaction in LDRR. Considering limited face-to-face interactions, greater bandwidth platforms such as video calling were considered beneficial for romantic relationship quality. For instance, video calling provides couples in LDRR an opportunity to share presence despite geographic distance, and this contributes to their sense of intimacy and closeness (Neustaedter & Greenberg, 2011).
In GCRR, video calling had a negative association with relationship satisfaction. This finding, along with the result that SNSs use was negatively associated with
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