Impact of Social Media on Interpersonal Communication Relationships amongst Couples in Tanzania: A Case of Dar es Salaam

This study examined the impact of social media on interpersonal communication relationships amongst couples in Tanzania: A case of Dar es Salaam Region. The study had three objectives: Firstly, to determine how couples spend time communicating through social media. Secondly, to find out the positive impact of social media on interpersonal communication relationships amongst couples; and lastly, to examine the negative impact of social media on interpersonal communication relationships amongst couples. The study applied descriptive survey research design, using both qualitative and quantitative to collect and analyze data. The study used a sample of 117 respondents from Dar es Salaam Region, in its three districts: Ilala, Kinondoni and Temeke. The findings of this study indicated that 80 percent of couples spend four hours of their time per day for communicating through social media, while 20 percent do not. The findings showed that there is the positive impact of social media on interpersonal communication relationships amongst couples as 80 percent of respondents said communication helps them to strengthen their relationship, while 12 percent said they are not sure and 8 percent disagreed. The findings suggested that there is a need to provide seminars for couples on how to use social media and improve interpersonal communication relationships among them. Since the use of social media itself predicts that there is both positive and negative relationship between the use of social media and the people in relationship, engaged and marriage well-being. The study recommends that couples should be careful because social media are not reliable in terms of confidentiality and privacy