Study claims Facebook causes relationship rage

by Stevie Smith - Aug 7 2009, 16:15

If, the next time you’re investing vast amounts of time in Facebook, you detect an ominous wave of loathing emanating from your partner, close the network and refocus your attentions because, chances are, jealousy is about to rear its ugly head.

More pointedly, a new study conducted by team of psychology researchers claims that prolonged one-to-one time with Facebook can create relationship rage and jealous investigation in ignored partners and potentially damage relationships with regard to the widespread online availability of personal information.

The study, entitled ‘Does Facebook bring out the green-eyed monster of jealousy?’ was carried out by researchers for the CyberPsychology & Behaviour journal, and saw them polling a total of 308 college students (75 percent of which were female) about the Facebook habits of both themselves and their partners.

According to the study’s findings, “time spent on Facebook was a significant predictor of Facebook jealousy,” and, while women spent a more substantial amount of time in Facebook’s loving embrace, they were also the gender more likely to become jealous in relation to their partner’s usage.

The psychology investigation, which was led by Amy Muise of the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, also noted that study participants who admitted having something of a jealous disposition were more likely to be goaded by a partner possibly sharing personal information, chat, and photos with others through the social network.

“I was already a bit jealous and insecure [regarding my partner],” said one study participant. “[but] I think that Facebook has definitely made me much, much, much worse.”

And, in terms of couples most likely to be affected by outbursts of Facebook rage, the study suggested there’s “a greater potential for jealously” within older couples using the network to connect with past friends and old flames.

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