Technological Impact on Relationship Formation, Maintenance, Communication, and Satisfaction: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Dyadic Lived Experiences of Couples Who Met Online
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Authors
Baggs, Romia
Issue Date
2025-11
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Communication , interpersonal relationships , computer mediated communication
Alternative Title
Abstract
The increased prevalence of online relationship initiation reflects a shift from traditional face-to-face relationship formation and maintenance to courtship practices that rely primarily on digital communication. Limited information is available on relationships initiated online highlights the need to explore how these relationships develop. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of married couples who initiated their relationship online and understand the impact, if any, of computer mediated communication on relationship initiation, progression, communication, and satisfaction. Ten married couples who initiated their relationship online were recruited to share their lived experiences with the phenomenon. This study presented five research questions: a) What are the lived experiences of couples who initiated their relationship online? b) How do couples who initiated their relationship online perceive partner interaction and relationship progression over time? c) How do relationships that begin online progress from initiation to committed long-term relationships? d) How do their lived experiences conform to, diverge from, or possibly challenge current theoretical conceptions related to traditional relationship formation? and e) How does online dating/long-term experiences influence MFT practice in working with couples who initiated their relationship online? Employing interpretative phenomenological data analysis, four essential themes emerged: (a) Who “we” are; (b) What “we” are doing; (c) How “we” got here; (d) What we overcame and; (e) How “we” fit in. This study was informed by a combined framework of Couple and Family Technology (CFT) and Social Information Processing Theory (SIPT). Participants described relationship processes and the critical nature of communication and technology, and the interplay between them. The findings have research and clinical implications, emphasizing the need to revisit and redefine existing models of relationship initiation and progression for relationships initiated online.