Facebook can ruin your relationship according to research

A research led by Dr Russell Clayton, of the University of Missouri, U. S. which surveyed Facebook users aged between 18 and 82 has concluded that Facebook and other social networks can cause havoc in romantic relationships especially young ones.

The research found that Facebook can aid emotional and physical cheating which could lead to break-up and divorce. On Facebook, people are also able to reconnect with their ex partners/girlfriends which could lead to … hum, unwanted stories.

‘Facebook-induced jealousy’ also significantly increased the risk for couples of all ages. As you know already, many people are guilty of ‘Facebook stalking’ of their partners which could also exaggerate excesses from the partner’s account.

The study also indicated that this ‘Facebook breakup’ affects relationships that are less than three years more than older relationships. It was also found that excessive use of Facebook seems to aggravate the situation.

Dr Clayton said: “Previous research has shown that the more a person in a romantic relationship uses Facebook, the more likely they are to monitor their partner’s Facebook activity more stringently, which can lead to feelings of jealousy.

“Facebook-induced jealousy may lead to arguments concerning past partners. Also our study found that excessive Facebook users are more likely to connect or reconnect with other Facebook users, including previous partners, which may lead to emotional and physical cheating.”

“The findings held only for couples who had been in relationships of three years or less. This suggests that Facebook may be a threat to relationships that are not fully matured.

“On the other hand, participants who have been in relationships for longer than three years may not use Facebook as often, or may have more matured relationships, and therefore Facebook may not be a threat or concern.

“Although Facebook is a great way to learn about someone, excessive Facebook use may be damaging to newer romantic relationships. Cutting back to moderate, healthy levels of Facebook usage could help to reduce conflict, particularly for newer couples who are still learning about each other.”

The study was published in the Journal of Cyberpsychology, Behaviour, and Social Networking.

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