Study: Facebook Use Could Be Harmful To Romantic Relationships
MENLO PARK (CBS) - The findings of a recent study indicate that excessive use of the social networking site Facebook could potentially damage romantic relationships.
Several researchers from different schools throughout the nation worked together to observe the effects of frequent Facebook interaction on the users' romantic partners.
Users between the ages of 18 and 32 participated in the study, which was led by University of Missouri School of Journalism doctoral student Russell Clayton.
During the study, participants were asked about the amount of time spent on Facebook and any conflicts that arose from occurrences while on site. Through their survey, researchers reportedly found that more frequent use of Facebook led to an increase in conflict caused by Facebook interactions.
"Previous research has shown that the more a person in a romantic relationship uses Facebook, the more likely they are to monitor their partner's Facebook activity more stringently, which can lead to feelings of jealousy," Clayton was quoted as saying by the website. "Facebook-induced jealousy may lead to arguments concerning past partners."
He added, "Also, our study found that excessive Facebook users are more likely to connect or reconnect with other Facebook users, including previous partners, which may lead to emotional and physical cheating."
Newsroom America learned that researchers observed an especially high rate of Facebook-related conflict in newer relationships.
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