Social media use and marital communication of Christian couples in Sogakope, Ghana
Keywords:
Christian couples, marital communication, social mediaAbstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of social media use on marital communication of Christian couples in Sogakope. A descriptive survey design was used. The population of the study comprises all married Christian couples in the Sogakope Township with estimated population of 1,500. Stratified and convenience sampling techniques was used to sample 450 respondents for the study. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. It emerged from the study that the social media use by couples in Sogakope were Whatsapp and Facebook. In terms of demographic differentials, it was reported that the nature of social media use was similar across couples when they were grouped according to gender and age. Among the nature of social media use, instagram was positively correlated with reported marital communication of couples in Sogakope. It was concluded that the flexibility in the use of Whatsapp and Facebook encouraged couples in Sogakope to rely on them in their daily interactions. It was recommended among others that religious leaders, family members, friends and media institution should create awareness of the unwanted result of the improper social media use in marriages to save marriages in the township. Also, marriage counsellors should expose the would-be couples to the use of social media in marriages. On regular basis, couples online activities should be discussed with partners to reduce jealousy and mistrust since sound marriages are built of trust.
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