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@article{188462,
        author = {Nishat Begum},
        title = {The Impact of Technology and Social Media on Intimacy and Trust in Modern Relationships},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {7},
        pages = {2490-2505},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=188462},
        abstract = {The rapid integration of technology and social media into daily life has redefined the nature of intimacy and trust in romantic relationships. This study aimed to examine the influence of digital habits—specifically social media usage, texting frequency, and exposure to digital infidelity—on emotional intimacy and trust. A mixed-methods design was employed, combining quantitative survey data from 60 couples (N = 120 individuals) aged 20–50 years across metropolitan and semi-urban regions with qualitative insights from in-depth interviews. Standardized instruments, including the Relationship Satisfaction Scale and Dyadic Trust Scale, were administered alongside custom-designed surveys and questionnaires. Results indicated that higher social media use was significantly associated with lower levels of relationship satisfaction and emotional intimacy. Couples who reported experiences of digital infidelity scored markedly lower on trust, highlighting the destabilizing effects of ambiguous online behaviors. Conversely, boundary-setting around technology use emerged as a protective factor, with couples who implemented clear rules reporting higher satisfaction and trust. The qualitative narratives corroborated these findings, emphasizing both the connective and disruptive roles of digital media in daily relational exchanges. Together, these results suggest that while technology facilitates connection, unregulated use can strain intimacy and erode trust. The study concludes that conscious boundary-setting and open communication about digital habits are crucial strategies for fostering resilience and stability in modern relationships.},
        keywords = {},
        month = {December},
        }