The Influence of Digital Communication Culture on Emotional Intimacy in Contemporary Marriages

Abstract

This study aimed to explore how digital communication culture influences emotional intimacy in contemporary marriages, focusing on the lived experiences of married individuals in Pakistan. The study employed a qualitative research design using semi-structured interviews to gather in-depth data from 24 married participants (12 men and 12 women) residing in urban areas of Pakistan. Participants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure diversity in age, marital duration, and professional background. Interviews were conducted until theoretical saturation was achieved. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis with the aid of NVivo software. The data were coded inductively, allowing key themes and subthemes to emerge from the participants’ narratives. Analysis yielded four main thematic categories: (1) digital affection and emotional expression, including the use of emojis, text rituals, and photo sharing as symbols of love; (2) digital miscommunication and conflict, where delayed replies, tone misinterpretation, and online surveillance contributed to emotional tension; (3) digital presence and perceived availability, highlighting the paradox of physical proximity and emotional distance caused by screen distractions; and (4) boundaries, privacy, and digital autonomy, reflecting how couples negotiate trust, control, and identity in digital spaces. Participants emphasized both the enriching and disruptive potentials of digital tools in shaping emotional closeness, conflict resolution, and relational satisfaction. Digital communication plays a dual role in modern marital intimacy, acting as both a facilitator of emotional connection and a source of misunderstanding and disconnection. The findings underscore the need for intentional digital boundaries, shared communication norms, and culturally sensitive therapeutic interventions to support marital intimacy in digitally saturated environments.