Technology-mediated communication in close relationships during emerging adulthood

As many emerging adults in the US leave home to attend college, technology-mediated communication (TMC) is critical for maintaining close relationships with family and friends. Past research has found that using TMC is associated with better relationship quality, and maintaining close connections with others is beneficial to well-being during the transition to adulthood. However, it is still unclear which types of TMC are important for different relationship dynamics, especially as relationships undergo re-structuring during emerging adulthood and the college years. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate college students' use of TMC with multiple relationship partners, including mothers, fathers, siblings, best friends, and romantic partners, as well as associations with relationship quality and emotional well-being. Participants (N=301) aged 18 to 24 (65.2 percent women) reported how frequently they used various forms of TMC each relationship partner, relationship quality, loneliness, and flourishing. Results indicated that TMC use was higher with best friends and romantic partners compared to family members, and participants strongly preferred using more synchronous, private, visual, and cue-rich forms of TMC. TMC use was consistently associated with more positive relationships for family members and best friends, and indirectly associated with flourishing and loneliness. These findings shed light on the patterns of communication across multiple relationships and how TMC can play a key role in promoting positive relationships and well-being during the transition to adulthood.