The Impact of Social Networking Sites on Online Boundaries and Relationship Satisfaction

The purpose of this study is to increase understanding of how the use of social networking and online boundaries affects relationship satisfaction. Because the literature has not yet addressed how social networking intrusion affects couples, this study draws on previous research of face-to-face boundary setting. An instrument was developed specifically for this study to measure the extent of intrusion of social networking use from factors of romantic jealousy, partner surveillance, and relationship conflict. Previous research found these factors to have a negative impact on relationship satisfaction in face-to-face situations. Three hundred thirty-one participants completed the Relationship Assessment Scale, the Social Networking Intrusion Scale, and the Online Internet Boundary Questionnaire. Inconsistent with previous research on face-to-face boundaries, the results showed that online boundary setting did not impact relationship satisfaction. Results also found that social networking intrusion did not negatively impact relationship satisfaction. This could suggest there are other factors impacting relationship satisfaction outside of the context of online boundary setting. However, participants who reported having online boundaries were found to have a positive correlation with social networking intrusion