Identifying the Attitude of Young People in the Period of Emerging Adulthood Towards Emotional Relationships Based on Their Representation on Social Media

Document Type : Original Research

Authors

1 Department Of counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

2 Department Of counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

3 University of Tehran, Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology

Abstract

The representation of emotional relationships on social media is considered one of the important factors influencing the attitudes of young people, which has a significant impact on the quality of emotional relationships of emerging adults. The present study aimed to identify the attitudes of young people in the emerging adulthood period towards emotional relationships based on their representation on social media.The research design was qualitative and descriptive phenomenological. The study population consisted of all 18-23-year-old university students in Tehran during the academic year 2023-2024, and a total of 15 participants (7 boys and 8 girls) were selected by purposive sampling. The interview was semi-structured and the data obtained were analyzed using the Colaizzi method. Finally, the research data included 3 main themes, 6 sub-themes and 27 primary concepts, which main themes included new conceptualization of romantic relationship, expectations formed based on new conceptualization of romantic relationship, and the implications of this new conceptualization of romantic relationship. The findings of this study indicate that the representation of romantic relationships on social media platforms leads to the formation of a new attitude and perspective on romantic relationships. Consequently, the expectations and desires of young boys and girls regarding romantic relationships undergo changes, resulting in individuals experiencing new emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. In general, the representations of romantic relationships on social media platforms influence the attitudes and experiences of young boys and girls in the process of initiating, maintaining, and terminating a romantic relationship.:
 

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Biannual Journal of Applied Counseling
Volume 14, Issue 2
February 2025
Pages 89-110

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History

  • Receive Date: 28 February 2025
  • Revise Date: 24 May 2025
  • Accept Date: 06 June 2025

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