Influence of Enabled Smartphone Social Media Platforms on Married Partner Relationship Dynamics in Mukono Municipality, Uganda.

The evolution of smartphone-enabled social media platforms is causing a serious problem by changing interpersonal communication and reshaping the dynamics of married partner relationships in Mukono Municipality. The study was supported by Systems, which explained the interdependence between smartphone - enabled social media platform usage and married partner relationship dynamics. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods research design was employed, supported by a cross-sectional research approach in an accessible population of 11,425 households. Nassiuma (2000) formula was used to determine a sample size of 77 households, which consisted of 153 participants and 7 key informants. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and the Sternberg Triangular Love Scale (STLS). A pilot study was conducted in Seeta Division to pre-test the questionnaire, and it was found to be reliable with a Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficient of α = .703. Descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic regression analysis were used in data analysis using SPSS software. The study found a statistically significant negative influence of smartphone-enabled social media platforms on marital satisfaction, with time spent on social media (B = −1.878, p < .001), type of platform used (B = −2.037, p = .030), and purpose of usage (B = −21.076, p < .001) significantly influencing marital satisfaction among married partners in Mukono Municipality. Data from In-depth interviews were analysed thematically and incorporated in the discussion. The findings may provide insights for policymakers and practitioners addressing family conflicts linked to smartphone-enabled social media platforms.