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The influence of social networks on romantic relationships: Through the lens of the social network
Author(s) -
SPRECHER SUSAN
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
personal relationships
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.81
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1475-6811
pISSN - 1350-4126
DOI - 10.1111/j.1475-6811.2010.01330.x
Subject(s) - psychology , perspective (graphical) , social network (sociolinguistics) , romance , social psychology , social relationship , perception , outcome (game theory) , developmental psychology , social media , psychoanalysis , computer science , mathematics , mathematical economics , artificial intelligence , neuroscience , political science , law
Past research indicates that social network support is linked to relationship development and continuation. This study fills a gap in the literature by examining social network influence from the perspective of network members. University students completed a survey about a relationship in their network of which they had a strong reaction, either positive or negative. Participants' social reactions to the targeted relationship were associated with the likelihood that they engaged in behaviors to try to influence the relationship. About two thirds of the participants believed that their behaviors had an influence on the outcome of the relationship, and those who reported more influence attempts also reported that they had a greater effect on the relationship. The findings help paint a picture of social network reactions, perceptions, and influence directed toward relationships, from the perspective of the social network.