SOCIAL MEDIA AND MARITAL RELATIONSHIP AMONG SPOUSES IN IKOT EKPENE LOCAL GOVERNMNET AREA

This study focused on “Social Media and Marital Relationship among Spouses in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.” To facilitate the goal of this research, the objective was to ascertain the influence of social media and marital relationship among couples in Ikot Ekepne local government area. Research questions were formulated to guide the work. The study adopted a survey research design. The population of this study comprises spouses in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area with a projected populated of Nine thousand and twelve (9,012). A sample size of 384 was drawn for the study through cluster sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was the main instrument of data collection with 15 items. Three hundred and eighty-four copies of questionnaire were administered to couples in Ikot Ekpne and three hundred and seventy-five copies were found useful for the study. Data gathered were processed and converted to percentages which were placed on tables. The study adopted Uses and Gratification Theory and Social Penetration Theory as relevant theories to the study. Findings of the study revealed that: According to the study, it was concluded that the use of social media by couples in Ikot Ekpene, influences their level of marital relationships in terms of promoting digital communication among spouse while on the other hand poses ill effects to families, as it limits face-to-face conversation, contributes to marital conflict and lingered infidelity. Thus, the study recommended that Couples should set clear boundaries for social media usage, such as limiting the amount of time spent online and creating specific times for online and offline activities together.