Arts , Humanities & Social Science

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to test the theory of how social media impacts the relationship of young men and women that compares the time spent on social media to the quality of relationships, both platonic and romantic, for students studying psychology at Clark Atlanta University. Past research on generation Z adults indicated that there has been a great decrease in interest in being in a monogamous relationship. This study is unique because not only does it focus on romantic relationships, but it includes friendships and how social media may play a significant factor. The hypothesis of the present study was that student social media activities will have an impact on relationship and friendship quality. The participants were Clark Atlanta students studying psychology. The data collection method was a survey created on Qualtrics. The results indicated that the participants do love their partners; however, desire more. Research shows that they are not necessarily satisfied in their relationships and that it does not meet their original expectations.  Within their friendships, they have disagreements every so often, but they are able to maintain a healthy relationship as they practice good communication between one another. The majority stated that their most used application is a social media platform with an average of 15 hours a week. The expectations were thus confirmed. Implications of the results for future studies include a longitudinal study on the role of social media in romantic commitments. The results of this study can contribute to the field of psychology and help initiate positive change for young adults and adolescents who are currently consumed by social media and digital realities and ideas they acquire due to their excessive usage.