A Sociological Analysis of the Impact of Social Media Networks on Romantic Relationships: A Case Study of Undergraduates at the University of Ruhuna

This study explores the impact of social media networks on the maintenance of romantic relationships among undergraduate students at the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. Within a digitalized social space shaped by modernity, interpersonal relationships face unique challenges. Factors such as personal busyness and digital communication often lead individuals toward virtual relationships. As connectivity is increasingly interpreted as a core characteristic of intimacy, people resort to virtual spaces to fulfill their social needs. Adopting a qualitative approach, this study gained an in-depth understanding of student experiences through semi-structured interviews with 30 selected participants at the University of Ruhuna. The data collected was analyzed using thematic analysis to identify digital behavior patterns. The findings reveal that while technology has simplified communication, it has simultaneously fostered digital jealousy and suspicion among romantic partners. Constant digital socialization often undermines mutual trust, leading to conflicts within relationships. A significant observation is that although technology facilitates connectivity, it tends to diminish emotional security. The study concludes that maintaining relationships through digital methods in the modern era has become more challenging compared to traditional romantic dynamics. This shift profoundly impacts the formation and sustainability of social institutions. Therefore, in the digital age, enhancing individuals' “Mental literacy”, which refers to an individual's capacity to critically and rationally navigate the events occurring within their digital environment while simultaneously possessing the ability to mitigate the resulting psychological distress, is crucial for maintaining healthy and sustainable relationships.