Date
4-7-2026
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)
Chair
Tyler Sheppard
Keywords
behavior, comparison, romantic, relationship, social media, young adult
Disciplines
Counseling | Physiology
Recommended Citation
Snowden, Tanita L., "Exploring Protective Factors in Romantic Relationships Among Young Adults Who Use Social Media Excessively" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8062.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8062
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to identify protective factors that young adult couples can adopt to sustain or enhance their romantic relationship functioning despite excessive social media use. This study is guided by cultivation theory, which suggests that prolonged exposure to media shapes individuals’ perceptions of reality, and by social comparison theory, which explains that people have a natural tendency to compare themselves to others. In modern society, social media has reshaped both cultivation and comparison by encouraging individuals to present curated highlight reels of their lives, celebrating achievements, relationships, and lifestyles while rarely revealing struggles or hardships. These distorted portrayals of “perfection” can lead to unrealistic relationship expectations, decreased satisfaction, and increased conflict, particularly among young adults who are the most frequent users of social networking platforms. This study seeks to uncover practical strategies that young adults in romantic relationships can use to alleviate or prevent negative relational consequences arising from excessive exposure to social media content.
