According to a new study published online in the journal of Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, people active on Twitter are more likely to get involved in the types of interactions that eventually lead to infidelity and divorce.
The study of 581 Twitter users of all ages, asked questions such as how often they log in, reply to tweets, use direct messages and scroll through their timelines to gauge “active Twitter use.”
Russell B. Clayton, the study’s author and doctoral student at the University of Missouri School of Journalism, concluded, “If high amounts of Twitter use does, indeed, lead to high amounts of Twitter-related conflict (i.e., arguments pertaining to a partner’s Twitter use, etc.) among romantic partners, it is plausible to speculate that such conflict could lead to unfavorable relationship outcomes such as cheating, breakup, or divorce.”
Facebook v. Twitter
Clayton has also analyzed Facebook-related conflict, finding it was more detrimental to relationships that lasted three years or less. Clayton’s Twitter study found that Twitter-related conflict occurs regardless of the duration of the relationship.
Skewed Data Due to Twitter
The findings might be slightly skewed due to the fact the survey was promoted via the researcher’s Twitter account and The Huffington Post’s Twitter account, meaning that the sample was directed towards people already active on Twitter and those types of accounts. Participants were also completely aware they were answering questions for a study about Twitter use and relationship outcomes, thus skewing the data even further.
Still Hopeful to Avoid Divorce
According to a new analysis conducted by the Pew Research Internet Project 41% of 18-29 year olds in serious relationships feel online conversations have brought them closer together. Of those couples 23% say they have used “digital tools” to resolve an argument that had been harder to tackle in person.
“Some couples share joint social networking site accounts to reduce relationship conflict,” Clayton said, citing the private message app designed for couples, 2life.
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