Information and Communication Technologies in Personal Relationships

Abstract

Despite the ubiquitous infiltration of information communication technologies (ICTs) into our lives, research on their roles in personal relationships is at a nascent stage. In this essay, we briefly review the emergence of research on ICTs and summarize current trends in the study of ICTs and personal relationships, including topics such as multicommunication, media multiplexity, and perpetual connectivity. Additionally, we pose several conundrums and complexities encountered when considering ICTs, such as the simultaneous management of connection and distance as well as the potential to both gain and lose control in interpersonal relationships. This essay demonstrates the need for continued research on ICTs in personal relationships.

Keywords:

• Information and Communication Technologies
• Computer-Mediated Communication
• Interpersonal Relationships
• Technology

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Laura Stafford

Laura Stafford (Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin) is Chair of the Department of Communication in the College of Communication and Information Studies at the University of Kentucky

Joshua D. Hillyer

Joshua D. Hillyer (M.A., Auburn University) is an Instructor and Doctoral Student in the Department of Communication at the University of Kentucky