The more the better? A comparative study of the relationships among multimodal connectedness, online communication, and relational outcomes in China and the United States

Abstract

Based on samples of students in China and the United States (US), this research drew on concepts in relational dialectical theory and media multiplexity theory to examine relationships among multimodal connectedness, relational communication on media, the interdependence–entrapment dialectic, and relationship satisfaction. The results indicated that multimodal connectedness had an overall negative effect on romantic relationships because it increased the feeling of entrapment and reduced relationship satisfaction. This pattern was especially evident in the Chinese sample because multimodal connectedness reduced interpersonal communication and increased conflict management online. However, social sharing on media positively mediated the effect of multimodal connectedness on satisfaction in romantic relationships. These findings suggest that media modalities and use patterns are imperative factors in examining the influence of mediated relational communication on relational outcomes.

Keywords:

• multimodal connectedness
• relational communication
• relationship interdependence
• entrapment
• relationship satisfaction

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1 Those who had ended a relationship were asked, “Did you use the following media to communicate with your ex-partner in the last 12 months of the relationship?” This adaption was also applied to the three measures of relational communication.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Xueqing Li

Xueqing Li is an assistant professor in the School of Media and Communication at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China. Her research examines the relational, social, and psychological aspects of mobile communication and political communication in Chinese societies.