Vol 12 Issue 5 September 2025-October 2025
Mildred Ntumbo, Chanda Chansa Thelma, Anna Phiri
Abstract: This study examined the effect of social media usage on marital relationships among couples living in the Woodlands and Chalala areas of Lusaka District, Zambia. In recent years, the rapid growth of social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok has significantly transformed patterns of communication, interaction, and intimacy among couples. While these platforms have enhanced connectivity and provided couples with convenient ways to share information, express affection, and maintain contact even over long distances, they have also introduced new challenges related to privacy, trust, and emotional detachment. The study adopted a mixed-methods research design to capture both quantitative and qualitative data. A case study sequential explanatory design was employed, beginning with quantitative data collection through structured questionnaires. This was followed by qualitative data collection using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. A sample of 65 participants was chosen purposively which comprised Marriage counsellors, Faith-based advisors and married couples residing in Woodlands and Chalala. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including means, standard deviations, correlations, and regression analysis, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. Findings revealed that while social media provided social support and convenient communication channels that helped couples coordinate family responsibilities, certain usage patterns (such as excessive time online, secretive messaging, and frequent interactions with ex-partners or unknown contacts) were associated with increased misunderstandings, jealousy, reduced face-to-face interaction, and heightened conflict. Couples who reported having negotiated and transparent rules around device use and joint participation in online activities experienced higher relationship satisfaction, whereas those with unilateral or concealed use demonstrated lower trust and a higher incidence of arguments. Based on these findings, the study recommended couple-focused digital communication workshops, community awareness campaigns to promote healthy online boundaries, and further longitudinal research to track causal pathways and intervention outcomes in similar urban Zambian contexts.
Keywords: Communication, Conflict, Marital Relationships, Social Media and Trust.
Title: The Effect of Social Media Usage on Marital Relationships: A Case Study of Couples in Woodlands and Chalala Areas of Lusaka District, Zambia
Author: Mildred Ntumbo, Chanda Chansa Thelma, Anna Phiri
International Journal of Novel Research in Humanity and Social Sciences
ISSN 2394-9694
Vol. 12, Issue 5, September 2025 - October 2025
Page No: 16-26
Novelty Journals
Website: www.noveltyjournals.com
Published Date: 10-September-2025