Navigating Digital Boundaries: The Complex Impact of Internet Addiction on Intimacy, Trust, Communication, and Conflict Resolution Among Iranian Couples

The rapid growth of Internet use has reshaped intimate relationships, creating both opportunities for connection and risks to relational stability. Internet addiction—excessive, compulsive online engagement—may impact marital satisfaction by influencing intimacy, trust, communication quality, and conflict resolution. This study explored these relationships among Iranian couples in a context of accelerating digital integration. Higher Internet addiction scores were significantly associated with lower trust, reduced communication quality, and weaker conflict-resolution abilities (p < .۰۱). Unexpectedly, Internet addiction was positively associated with intimacy (p < .۰۵). Regression analyses confirmed Internet addiction as a significant predictor for all relational dimensions, with negative effects on trust, communication, and conflict resolution, and a small positive effect on intimacy. Findings reveal the dual nature of Internet use in marital relationships. While excessive use may erode trust and core relational skills, it can also foster perceived closeness through shared virtual activities. Cultural norms and digital integration may shape these effects. Culturally sensitive interventions should promote balanced technology use, enhance communication skills, and strengthen trust-building. Longitudinal studies are recommended to capture evolving patterns between digital behaviors and marital quality.

کلیدواژه ها:

Internet addiction ، marital satisfaction ، intimacy ، trust ، communication ، conflict resolution ، Iranian couples ، digital boundaries