Jealousy and Attachment 2.0

The main objective of this research was to investigate how people use Facebook within the context of their romantic relationships from an attachment theory perspective. In the present study, a convenience sample (n = 179) completed an online survey with questions about Facebook use, attachment style, uncertainty-related behaviors, jealousy, relationship satisfaction and commitment. Results indicate that 1) there is a positive correlation between jealousy and Facebook use; 2) also, there is a positive correlation between jealousy and the time an individual spends viewing their partner's profile; 3) further, jealousy is positively related to uncertainty-reducing behaviors. Taken together, these results support the assertion that there is a downward spiral involving jealousy and Facebook. Results also showed that there are two types of uncertainty-related behaviors: antisocial behaviors and territorial behaviors. Anxious-ambivalent attachment styles were found to engage in antisocial behaviors the most, whereas secure individuals engaged in antisocial behaviors the least. The findings provide ample areas for future research on social networking sites and relationship variables.