An exploratory study of computer mediated communication and perceptions of intimacy, relationship and sexual satisfaction in emerging adults

In the context of some people's concerns about the pervasive use of technology to communicate with one another, this study explored whether the frequency of emerging adults' computer-mediated communication (CMC) is correlated with their perceptions of intimacy, relationship and sexual satisfaction.;The sample population included 298 young adults age 18-29 who had been in a face-to-face romantic relationship for at least six weeks and who used CMC to communicate with their romantic partner. Those study participants who first met their romantic partners online tended to feel less intimate than those who first met their partners face-to-face. Women in the sample reported greater intimacy with their partner than did the male participants.;Looking at correlations between frequency of CMC, intimacy and relationship satisfaction, the only significant relationship was with participants who sent a moderate number of emails to their partners in a typical day. There were no significant correlations between sexual satisfaction and frequency of any form of CMC (texting, instant messaging, or email). Neither were there significant correlations between relationship satisfaction scores and the age of study participants, their gender, the gender of their partner, their parents' educational attainment, or whether they first met their romantic partner face-to-face or online. The findings of this research suggest that there is no need to categorize relationships that employ high-usage of CMC in any category other than "normal." In fact, CMC may be considered a helpful tool for relationship maintenance.