The Pleasures and Perils of Technology in Intimate Relationships

Murray, C & Campbell, E 2015, ‘The Pleasures
and Perils of Technology in Intimate Relationships’, The Journal of
Couple and Relationship Therapy, vol. 14, no.2, pp. 116-140.

This journal analyses the results of a study conducted on
the positive and negative impacts of technology, as perceived by couples in
intimate relationships. The study was undertaken to fill an existing gap in
this area of research and surveyed 225 undergraduate and graduate university
students at a single campus in America. The results of the study showed that
the main perceived benefit was technology’s ability to enhance communication,
particularly when couples are physically apart. Examples included sending
messages to express affection and using video-based forms of communication to
feel more connected when physically separated. However, the main perceived
negative impact was also in relation to communication, specifically the possibility
miscommunication. A particular challenge that couples face is the lack of
non-verbal cues, which can lead to misunderstandings. The study concludes that
technology can neither be labelled solely as a ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ influence,
and its role in intimate relationships is complex.

Murray is an Associate Professor at the University of North
Carolina, and holds a Bachelor of Psychology and Sociology, an Education
Specialist Degree in Marriage and Family Counselling, and a Doctor of Philosophy
(PhD) in Counsellor Education and Marriage and Family Counselling. She has
published over 65 research papers on topics related to family counselling.
Campbell holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling and Educational
Development, is a licensed professional counsellor, and an adjunct professor at
the University of North Carolina and the Wake Forest University. Both authors
have extensive research experience and the study offers a rounded investigation
of the research question. However, the limitations of this research include the
small sample group, and the fact that the candidates surveyed were all
university students who use technology extensively on a daily basis, causing
them to be more technology-savvy than the general population. This research journal
provides a valuable case study that will be of practical use for my essay.
Additionally, it has caused me to recognise benefits and disadvantages of technology
that I had not previously considered, therefore widening my perspective on the
theme.