A groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family has uncovered a disturbing trend: excessive social media use is contributing to declining marital satisfaction by fostering unrealistic comparisons. Researchers followed 1,200 married couples over two years and found that those who spent more than two hours daily on social media were 40% more likely to report dissatisfaction in their relationships. The constant exposure to curated, idealized portrayals of other couples’ lives led to feelings of inadequacy, resentment, and even distrust.
Dr. Elena Martinez, the study’s lead author, explains, “Social media creates a distorted reality where couples compare their everyday struggles to others’ highlight reels. This breeds a sense of failure, even in otherwise happy marriages.” Participants who frequently engaged in “relationship scrolling”—consuming content about romantic gestures, lavish vacations, or seemingly perfect partnerships—were most affected. Many reported increased arguments over unmet expectations, with phrases like “Why can’t we be like them?” becoming common.
The mental health repercussions are significant. Partners who internalized these comparisons experienced higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms, with some developing a fear of missing out (FOMO) that translated into marital discontent. Therapists are now recommending “digital detoxes” for couples, encouraging intentional unplugging to reconnect authentically. Some experts also advocate for media literacy education in premarital counseling to help couples navigate social media’s psychological pitfalls.
