New research suggests that active Twitter users in relationships are likely to experience Twitter-related conflict.
According to a study by University of Missouri doctoral student Russell Clayton, Twitter-related conflict then leads to negative relationship outcomes, including emotional and physical cheating, breakup and divorce.
Unlike a previous study about Facebook relationships which showed that those in new relationships under 3-years old were likely to let Facebook conflicts come between their bonds, this latest survey revealed that Twitter conflicts existed irrespective of the relationship length.
To lessen the effect of social media disruption, Clayton recommends couples of all ages limit their daily and weekly use of social networking sites to more healthy, reasonable levels.
“Although a number of variables can contribute to relationship infidelity and separation, social networking site usage, such as Twitter and Facebook use, can be damaging to relationships,” Clayton said. “Therefore, users should cut back to moderate, healthy levels of Twitter use if they are experiencing Twitter or Facebook – related conflict. ”
He also says sharing joint social networking site accounts can reduce relationship conflict, as can some social networking site apps, such as the 2Life app, that facilitates interpersonal communication between partners.”
The full study, “The Third Wheel: The Impact of Twitter Use on Relationship Infidelity and Divorce,” involved querying 581 Twitter users of all ages. It was published in Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking and can be viewed here: http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/yber.2013.0570.
