Digital Intimacy: How Technology Shapes Friendships and Romantic Relationships

Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate the dynamics of digital intimacy, including how individuals use digital platforms to initiate, maintain, and navigate their personal relationships. It seeks to identify the main themes related to digital intimacy, the challenges and benefits associated with it, and the strategies individuals employ to manage their digital relationships. Employing a qualitative research design, this study conducted semi-structured interviews with 28 participants divided into two groups: individuals involved in digital relationships and professionals in the fields of psychology, sociology, and technology. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes and categories related to digital intimacy. The study identified seven main themes associated with digital intimacy: Formation of Digital Intimacy, Maintenance of Relationships, Challenges of Digital Intimacy, Benefits of Digital Intimacy, Navigating Digital and Offline Worlds, Evolution of Digital Intimacy, and Characteristics of Digital Intimacy. These themes encompass various aspects of digital relationships, including the initiation and maintenance processes, the role of digital platforms in facilitating emotional connections, and the challenges of privacy, security, and miscommunication. Digital intimacy plays a significant role in shaping modern friendships and romantic relationships, offering both opportunities and challenges. While digital platforms facilitate the formation and maintenance of connections across distances, they also introduce complexities in communication, privacy, and the integration of digital and offline lives. Understanding these dynamics is essential for individuals and professionals working to navigate the digital landscape of personal relationships.