In the era of digital technology, it is impossible to ignore the profound impact of modern innovations on all aspects of our lives, particularly the social ones. One of the most significant changes witnessed in recent years has been the effect of “digitalization” on marital relationships.
The virtual world, made possible by communication technology and social networks, has provided us with extraordinary communication tools. However, it has also introduced new challenges threatening to undermine marital bonds, the strongest human connection described by Allah in the Quran as a “solemn covenant.”
These tools, despite their apparent benefits, can act as a double-edged sword, requiring a deep understanding and effective strategies to preserve family cohesion in the Arab and Islamic world.
The globalization of digitalization presents a unique challenge in this regard, as the influence of the virtual world transcends national, ethnic, and cultural boundaries. Consequently, “online infidelity” has become a global phenomenon.
Social Media
Social media platforms are among the most prominent tools of this globalization, negatively affecting marital relationships. According to a study conducted by Stanford University researcher Katherine Humphreys in 2022, excessive use of social media increases levels of suspicion and distrust between spouses.
The study noted that 40% of couples who use social media excessively face trust issues, with feelings of jealousy arising from their partners' interactions with others. Another study conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2021 revealed that 34% of couples believe social media increases the likelihood of infidelity and negatively impacts their daily communication.
The study also indicated that excessive use of these platforms contributes to marital tensions, ultimately leading to higher divorce rates.
With the growing reliance on text messages and instant messaging applications like WhatsApp and Telegram, these apps have become arenas for communication problems between spouses.
According to another study by Dr. Emily Roberts of Harvard University in 2021, couples who excessively depend on text messaging for daily communication face difficulties in face-to-face communication. The study pointed out that text messages often lack the emotional expression necessary for effective communication, leading to misunderstandings and misinterpretations of intent.
Online Gaming
Online gaming and virtual worlds like “Second Life” have become an integral part of many couples' lives. However, a 2020 study by Dr. James Patterson from the University of California indicated that excessive engagement in these virtual worlds could lead to “marital isolation.”
The same study found that 35% of gamers who spend more than four hours daily playing online games experience deterioration in their marital relationships due to a lack of time and direct communication with their spouses.
The first step to addressing the impact of the virtual world on marital relationships lies in enhancing trust and communication between spouses in the real world. This can be achieved by spending quality time together away from digital devices.
In this regard, a 2023 study by Dr. John Williams at Yale University recommended that couples set aside daily time for face-to-face conversations. This practice reduces stress and doubts while fostering emotional bonding.
Another study conducted by Dr. Lisa Anderson at Oxford University in 2020 suggested that couples engage in shared recreational activities such as sports or artistic hobbies. These activities strengthen emotional connections and mitigate the isolation imposed by technology on their lives.
Digital Boundaries
Establishing clear boundaries for digital use is an effective strategy to address the encroachment of the virtual world on real-world relationships. According to Dr. Sarah Miller in a 2021 study at the University of Michigan, couples who agree on clear boundaries for the use of social media and electronic devices achieve a better balance between their digital and personal lives.
The same study recommended setting specific times during the day free from devices, such as meal times and bedtime.
Similarly, a 2022 study by a research team at the University of British Columbia found that couples who establish clear rules regarding technology use enjoy more satisfying and stable relationships. The study also noted that allocating time for digital devices and family activities can help reduce tensions caused by excessive technology use.
In some cases, seeking marital counseling may be necessary. A 2022 study by Dr. Mark Taylor at Columbia University found that couples who seek marriage counseling can develop effective strategies to cope with the pressures of the virtual world.
Taylor added that counseling sessions help couples better understand each other's needs and develop healthy communication skills.
While the virtual world offers immense benefits, it also poses significant challenges to marital relationships. Understanding these challenges and developing effective strategies to address them is key to maintaining family cohesion and strengthening marital bonds in this digital age.
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