Influence of Social Media Usage on Marital Satisfaction Among Married Graduate Students at Pan Africa Christian University, Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

With the growing prevalence of social media in daily life, understanding its impact on marital dynamics has become increasingly relevant. This study explored the influence of social media usage on marital satisfaction among married graduate students at Pan Africa Christian (PAC) University. The research objectives were: to examine the patterns of social media usage among married graduate students at PAC University, Nairobi, Kenya, to determine its perceived effects of social media usage on marital satisfaction among married graduate students at PAC University, Nairobi, Kenya, to identify literature-based strategies for promoting healthy social media usage among married graduate students at PAC University, Nairobi, Kenya, and to establish the relationship between social media usage and marital satisfaction among married graduate students at PAC University, Nairobi, Kenya. Guided by the Attachment Theory and Uses and Gratification Theory, the study adopted a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. The study targeted married graduate students at PAC University, with a sample of 218 participants, that were determined using Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) formula. Participants were selected through convenience sampling technique. Of these, 185 completed the quantitative questionnaires, while 9 participated in semi-structured interviews to provide qualitative insights. Quantitative data was collected using the Social Networking Time Use Scale (SONTUS) and the Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI), while qualitative insights were gathered through semi-structured interviews. Descriptive statistics and correlational analysis were conducted using SPSS version 30 for the quantitative data, and thematic analysis was applied to the qualitative data to uncover patterns related to participants’ experiences. The findings revealed minimal direct influence of social media usage on marital satisfaction, with social media serving primarily as a tool for emotional regulation and connection. Themes that emerged from the study included the importance of setting boundaries around social media use, fostering transparency and managing emotional responses to content, as well as the role of spiritual values in guiding digital engagement. These findings, along with the overall minimal effect of social media on marital satisfaction, contribute to a broader understanding of the influence of digital communication on marital well-being among the married graduate students who participated in the study. The study concludes that social media, while offering emotional support and connection, had a limited effect on marital satisfaction, suggesting that other factors, such as communication and shared experiences, play a more significant role. Recommendations for practice, policy and future research are provided to enhance relationship quality. For practice, marriage therapists and couples are encouraged to develop strategies for fostering transparency and balancing online and offline interactions. Policy recommendations suggest that universities implement structured programs such as digital well-being workshops to support married graduate students. Future research is encouraged to examine the longterm effects of social media on marital satisfaction and investigate the evolving impact of social media on relationships over time.