EFFECT OF SOCIAL MEDIA USE ON ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS: A CASE OF MULTIMEDIA UNIVERSITY OF KENYA
Abstract
Purpose of the Study: This study sought to establish the effect of social media use on romantic relationships among undergraduate students at Multimedia University of Kenya.
Problem Statement: Social media and online platforms have brought many benefits to young people. However, these platforms have also contributed to challenges in romantic relationships among university students. The fast expansion of social media use among university students in Kenya has coincided with a rise in relationship conflict and relational anxiety that sometimes result in tragic outcomes such as violence and even death.
Methodology: The study used mixed methods of research design to collect and analyze data. Structured questionnaires were used for quantitative data and interviews for qualitative data. The sample size was 374 respondents determined by Yamane formula, and two university counselors were interviewed for qualitative data. The respondents for this study were selected using stratified random sampling method.
Result: While social media platforms have improved communication between romantic partners, they have also increased relational conflict and relational anxiety among undergraduate students in romantic relationships. WhatsApp was the most used platform for communication by romantic partners among undergraduate students at the Multimedia University of Kenya. TikTok was the platform that was most closely associated with relational anxiety and relational conflict among undergraduate students.
Policy Recommendation: University management should adopt and implement policies that support mental health challenges related to social media use.
Keywords: Social media use, romantic relationships, undergraduate students, communication, relational conflict, relational anxiety.
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