An article by Dr. Gali Einav and her colleagues under the title:
Let’s WhatsApp! Generation X couples’ online and offline relationship patterns in the digital age
Cite article
Nadel Harony, T., Einav, G., & Galily, Y. (2023). Let’s WhatsApp! Generation X couples’ online and offline relationship patterns in the digital age. New Media & Society, 25(12), 3370-3391.
Dr. Gali Einav shared her interesting research with us:
"In this article, we investigated how Generation X couples (born in the years 1965-1980) who grew up with traditional face-to-face interactions and the use of a digital platform such as WhatsApp is relatively new to them, navigate their relationships both online and offline, with a specific focus on communication their via WhatsApp.
Inspired by Gutman's therapeutic model, the mathematical analyst of marital conflicts, we conducted a year-long study using semi-structured interviews with 18 couples who have been in a relationship for at least 5 years. The couples described their WhatsApp conversations and the dynamics of their relationship offline.
The findings indicate that the use of WhatsApp reflects offline relationships. The following four types of interaction were identified: (1) technical, (2) practical, (3) casual, and (4) emotional. In addition, the following three patterns of conflictual behavior were identified that correspond to Gutman's distinctions: (1) logical, (2) emotional and (3) avoidant.
From the Article
We found in research that the way couples use WhatsApp reflects the dynamics of their offline relationships. It was interesting to see how different types of couples are expressed on WhatsApp, couples with more emotional communication or couples with more emotional communication, were expressed in the same way on the WhatsApp platform.
The main conclusion is that WhatsApp can offer important insights into how couples communicate and handle conflicts. It's like a window into the dynamics of their relationship, and this understanding can help improve relationships, especially in this digital age.
Understanding this conclusion can be a tool for self-reflection for couples. They can use WhatsApp to understand their dynamics and work on positive communication. Therapists may find it useful in improving communication during sessions and using technology to support couples on their journey.
Abstract
This article proposes that WhatsApp can offer insights into couples’ relationships. Based on Gottman’s therapy model, which mathematically analyzes marital conflicts, this study focuses on couples’ WhatsApp correspondence and asks to what extent it reflects the offline relationships of Generation X. The research was conducted over a year using semi-structured interviews with 18 couples who have been in a relationship for at least 5 years. The couples described their discourse on WhatsApp and the dynamics of their relationship offline. The findings indicate that WhatsApp use mirrors offline relationships. The following four types of interaction were identified: (1) technical, (2) practical, (3) casual, and (4) emotional. In addition, the following three patterns of conflictual behavior that correspond with Gottman’s distinctions were identified: (1) logical, (2) emotional, and (3) avoidant. The article cites WhatsApp’s potential for behavioral observation and the possibility of using it to change relationship dynamics.
