Relationships between soldiers
In military life, many interactions happen through technology because they are often far from home and away from family for extended periods. In these circumstances, how does technology affect relationship satisfaction and what factors contribute to it? The article explores this question using personal anecdotes and research findings.
One study found that distance and disconnection affect communication quality, which affects relationship satisfaction (Davies et al., 2019).
Social support is also important for relationship satisfaction (Sternberg & Grauman, 1984) and can be maintained through technology such as online group chats (Rice et al., 2008).
Personality traits like emotional stability and agreeableness predict relationship satisfaction (Johnson et al., 2006), and technology usage patterns may vary by individual differences.
Relational satisfaction remains high among service members despite technological mediated interaction.
Technology's impact on relationships
Technology has transformed the way people interact in all aspects of life, including romantic relationships. Soldiers are no exception, and their experiences show how technology changes interpersonal dynamics.
Some studies have shown that texting can improve intimacy and closeness in long-distance relationships, but others suggest that video calls create a more immersive experience (Brown, 2017; Zhao, 2018). Moreover, social media use may be associated with negative outcomes like jealousy and possessiveness (Kang & Leary, 2015). Nonetheless, soldiers often use technology for relationship maintenance despite these challenges. They might send love letters or make phone calls to maintain connection while deployed (McCormack, 2012).
Impact of military culture
Military culture emphasizes commitment and selflessness, which affects relationship satisfaction differently than civilian life. In fact, soldiers often prioritize duty over personal needs and feelings (Dobbs & Homan, 2019). This culture can lead to emotional distancing and conflict with family and loved ones.
Other factors like gender, age, and rank also influence relationship satisfaction.
Married soldiers tend to report higher satisfaction than unmarried soldiers (Rose et al., 2016), and senior officers may struggle to balance work demands and personal lives (Jennings & Sharp, 2006). Still, technology provides opportunities for meaningful connections even in high-stress environments.
Finding balance between technology and face-to-face interaction
Balance is key when it comes to technological interaction and face-to-face communication. Too much screen time can negatively impact relationships by reducing quality conversation and increasing stress (Agarwal, 2020). At the same time, service members who lack access to technology may feel isolated from their families and peers. Finding a healthy balance requires self-awareness and effort. Soldiers should set limits on device usage and prioritize in-person interaction whenever possible.
They can seek support from peers and leaders who understand the challenges of military life and encourage healthy habits. By doing so, service members can maintain healthy relationships while serving their country.
How do service members interpret relational satisfaction when most interaction is mediated technologically?
Relationship satisfaction is usually determined by three factors, namely affective commitment, continuance commitment, and normative commitment (Mueller & Driskell, 2018). The military has always been recognized as an institution that requires a high level of commitment from its members for it to function effectively (Driskell et al. , 2019).