UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND

RESEARCH PROPOSAL

RESEARCH TOPIC: THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE HIGH RATE OF

DIVORCE CASES IN NGWELEZANE COMMUNITY

MISS A.N ZWANE

STUDENT NUMBER: 202073368

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY

Table of content
1
 1. Introduction…………………………………………………………………………… 05
2. Preliminary literature review.…………………………………………………………
06
2.1. The negative effects of social media on marriages………………………..… 06

2.1.1.Jealousy………………………………………………………………………… 06

2.1.2. Losing the “us time”……………………………………….……………… 07

2.1.3.Unfaithfulness………………………… ……………………………….….. 07
2.1.4. Unhappy Relationship………………………………………………….… 07
2.2. The use of social media’s influence the quality of users’ interpersonal
relationship……………………………………………………………..………… 07
2.2.1. Social media and relationship………………..…………….…………… 08
2.3.Communication………………………………..……………………….……. 09
2.4. Social media creates conflict and confusion within couples………...…. 09
2.5. Theoretical framework…………………………..…………………………. 10
2.5.1. Social penetration theory …………………………………………………… 10
3. Problem statement ………………………………………………..…………………. 13
4. Aims ………...………………………………………………………………………… 14
5. Research questions………………………………… ……………………………… 14
6. Research hypothesis………………………..………………… …………………. 14
7. Research methods………………………………………………….……………….. 15
7.1.1. Population……………………………………………………….……………. 15
7.1.2.Sampling and Sample size………………..…………………….…………… 16
7.1.3. Data collection method…………………………………….………………… 16
7.1.4. Data analysis……………………………………………….……………….… 16
7.1.5. Ethical considerations ……………………………………….………………. 17
7.1.5.1. Confidentiality……………………………………………….………………..
17
7.1.5.2. Informed consent and voluntary participation……………………………. 17
7.1.5.3. Respect for participant’s rights and dignity……………………………… 18

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8. References……………………………………………………………………………. 19
9. APPENDICES
Appendix A: Introduction to questionnaire………….…………………….…... 22
Appendix B: Questionnaire……………………………………………………….
……………….23
10. Budget………………………………………………………………………………. 34

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1. INTRODUCTION

The social media has made people to develop ways to express their feelings and
thoughts to other people using verbal and nonverbal cues, technology has made people
not require to meet in person to communicate, conversations between individuals are
more intimate and people are more willing to share details they wouldn’t feel
comfortable sharing in person. Social media sites are one of the most visited sites on
the internet. People use them as an online communication medium to connect with their
friends or make new friends. The norm in social media is posting about personal life,
thoughts and perspectives. Users receive validation when their online friends give them
feedback on their posts. The returned value expected of social media is not to fulfill
information needs but to meet social-emotional needs. Social media can even change
the way romantic relationships are established and maintained. Offline public display of
affection (PDA) takes the form of holding hands or exchanging hugs.

Affection displayed online on the other hand, known as public display of commitment, is
shown by liking pictures, posts or sharing inside jokes. Liking content is a virtual sign of
approval. In addition, taking pictures of a significant other and posting them on social
media shows commitment in front of other users. Ultimately, changing the status online
serves as an indication that the relationship is official, it is also seen to prevent people
from flirting with a partner. Romantic relationship may also be disrupted from the use of
social media. Social media makes surveillance of one partner easy. Monitoring a
partner’s behavior online may lead to jealousy, anxiety and mistrust. Individuals with low
self -esteem may find their partner’s actions on social media as faults decreasing the
level of satisfaction in the relationship).

2. PRELIMINARY LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1. The negative effects of social media on marriages

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Social media has changed the way people meet and interact with each other. It provides
a platform to learn more about people you associate with. This can be a problem,
however, when it comes to romantic relationships. The increased usage of social media
may lead to marital problems, infidelity, and divorce.

2.1.1. Jealousy

Jealousy in married couples occur both online and offline. Since social media sites
make it easy for someone to check up on what things their significant other is doing, this
can create jealousy and uncertainty in a relationship. If a significant other is liking or
commenting on someone else’s pictures then that may make their partner jealous and
create tension in the relationship. The lack of privacy on social media make it easy for
others to access information about a significant other. (Muise et al., 2009) found that the
more time a person spent on social media, the more jealousy they experienced gender
can also have an effect on jealousy in a relationship. Women tend to be more jealous of
emotional infidelity than men and men tend to be more jealous of sexual infidelity than
women (Buunk and Dijkstra, 2004).

2.1.2. Losing the “us time”

The moment that should be spent together is replaced by each one scrolling down the
pages of social media. It obviously creates a gap. Partners get distracted by their mobile
phones while spending time together. A difficulty to avoid social media can make you
fail to notice your surroundings, including your partner. A moment that should have
been spent together is replaced by each of you scrolling down the social media’s pages.
No wonder it often triggers a conflict (Muise et al., 2009).

2.1.3. Unfaithfulness

Partners after marriage often find new friends, sometimes their exes on social media
that makes the other partner doubt. It also contributes to marriage conflict, and
sometimes separation. Social media’s allurement is undoubtedly big. From shopping
temptation to stalking on someone, each of them is difficult to be ignored if we addicted
to that instant information we receive just in seconds. Meeting with someone new or

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catching up with an old fellow can possibly happen. Getting drowned in the virtual life
with a new friend, or probably an ex-partner, in the social media is probably the scariest
scandal in marriage life (Utz and Beukeboom, 2011).

2.1.4. Unhappy Relationship

People have admitted that they find it really difficult to stop when browsing the internet,
thereby losing time to spend with their family and partners. This results in unhappiness
in their personal lives. It is found that many happy couples got trouble in the relationship
because of social media and ultimately, got separate. Instagram is the social medium
that has the worst effect on mental health, it contributes the most on negative effects,
such as anxiety, depression, FOMO (fear of missing out) and bullying. The self-negative
effect undeniably relates to relationship happiness (Beyens et al., 2016).

2.2. The use of social media’s influence the quality of user’s interpersonal relationship.

Social media and interpersonal relationships at home the excessive use of social media
does have a significant impact on the emotional bonds and physical presence among
family members (Motanana, 2016). Most people recognize that social media sites have
become a powerful tool of influence that can impact and change the way people
communicate in everyday life. The time spent on social media may cause distance or
even conflict among interpersonal relationships, when spending time at home together
as a family unit. Individuals may be physically present in the same room, but they may
be so focused on the information they are scrolling through on the social media, that
they could be missing important nonverbal communication cues due to inattentiveness.
Face to face interaction relationships with family members are being influenced and
shaped by the usage of online virtual friendships, the amount of time spent on social
media directly affects the quality of time spent with a person in a face-to-face interaction
relationship and also the amount of time that a person spends on social media sites
cause a direct decline in the home family values.

2.2.1. Social media and relationship

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The social media Examiner (2010) describes four main ways that social media can
potentially change relationships by putting the emphasis on creating and maintaining
intimate virtual relationships. Virtual relationships as used in this paper are type of
friends that exists on the internet, and are seldom or never shared with face-to-face
interactions and therefore do not include nonverbal communication cues (Froding and
Peterson, 2012). The first way social media usage has changed the style of
relationships people engage in is by allowing people to connect with a larger base of
people more quickly. Social media users also tend to overestimate their level of intimacy
and responsibility in maintaining these virtual relationships (Jain, 2010). Virtual
relationships are also susceptible to the social media contagion effect in which users
adopt behaviors, attitudes and beliefs of other users as their own reality. Lastly, Social
media users may compare their relationships and successes in life to other user’s lives,
and this can have a positive or negative effect on the psyche (Jain, 2010).

Intimate relationships and casual relationships are compiled of different dimensions.

Intimate relationships share a higher degree of trust, emotional support, time
commitment, communication, self- disclosure and mutual knowledge than casual
relationships do (Sanchez, 2014). According to Froding and Peterson (2012) the
modern reading of Aristotle’s theory of friendship, argues that virtual relationships do not
even qualify as genuine friendships. The Aristotle theory is interpreted to state: to be a
genuine friendship it must contain human interaction, be virtuous, moral, and mutually
recognized with a quality of love and admiration within the friendship (Froding and
Peterson, 2012).

2.3. Communication

Communicating verbal and nonverbal with those in the opposite sex, other than a
spouse, both face to face and online. Particularly focus on communication deemed
inappropriate or counter to the productivity, stability, and overall success of a
relationship. Regarding text communication with someone other than a spouse, one
consistent theme is the sense of false security that exists when a married man or
woman communicates through text with the opposite sex. In this false sense of security,
there is greater willingness to divulge personal and vulnerable information to someone

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of the opposite sex through text or through social media that otherwise would not be
revealed. Clear communication deals with the day-to-day blind-spots in communication.
Blind spots in communication are defined as those thoughts, words, or actions you may
or may not be cognizant of as you live day-to-day, but often can negatively affect you
and others in the long run. Want to know how to avoid communication blind spots in
your personal and relational development, by raising the awareness of these blind
spots, in both every day and in social and digital media settings, you can potentially
elude relationship heartache and devastation. Achieving relation success in this 21 st
century environment requires healthy, consistent communication stewardship (Carter,
2016).

2. 4. Social media creates conflict and confusion within the couples.

When couples are active on social media it can sometimes create conflict in the
relationship. Conflict in the relationships can sometimes stem from insecurity or
uncertainty in a relationship. If a person’s significant other posts a picture with a
member of the opposite sex or posts on their wall then the other partner may start to
feel uncertain about the relationship. In times of conflict within a romantic relationship,
emotions can become unbearable for some to handle alone. Using 106 young adults in
romantic relationships, the frequency of involving a social media impacts relationship
functioning by posing the questions: to whom should a romantic partner turn, and what
might be the effects of turning to a friend?. Especially women, who often discuss their
relationship problems with their social media and not with their significant others results
in poorer relationship success than those who regularly discuss their significant others,
talking about issues can be healthy and should not be eliminated completely, the
negative outcome when a partner confides in their social media site consistently without
talking with their significant other, social media are good for providing advice but they
are unable to actually solve problems, especially ones in which they are indirectly
involved, (Jensen and Rauer, 2014).

2.5. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

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The study will use Social Penetration theory. The theory deals with the effects of
communication and attempt to explain the impact of social media on interpersonal
communication.

2.5.1 Social Penetration Theory

Social penetration theory deals with behaviors of an individual in communication with

others. One person may reveal information about himself or herself to another. The
information can be descriptive or evaluative, and can include thoughts, feelings,
aspirations, goals, failures, successes, fears, and dreams, as well as one's likes,
dislikes, and favorites. As what couples can do in the social media as a way to coup up
with the current world whether knowingly or unknowingly without regarding its impacts.

The term Social Penetration Theory was formulated by psychology professors Altman
and Taylor (1973), to describe the dynamics of relational closeness. Relational
closeness can progress from superficial to intimate. Social penetration theory explains
why relationships are formed, why they end, and the process that they must go through
to prosper. Closeness develops through self-disclosure. Tylor and Altman’s social
penetration theory is the idea that relationships become more intimate over time when
partners disclose more information about themselves (Stephen, 2002). Closeness
varies according to the following factors: rewards versus benefits; costs versus
vulnerability; satisfaction; stability and security.

Self-disclosure characteristics include the storyteller (the person disclosing), while it

also stimulates feedback from the receiver. The quality of the feedback is related to the
amount and relevance of self-disclosure users receive and share with others. Self-
disclosure can be very revealing or not revealing. The theory states that the
relationships begin and deepen through self-disclosure. In the beginning, people
establish relationships by closing many simple, harmless facts through small talk. As
relationship grow, the rate of self-disclosure slows while the facts disclosed become
increasingly intimate in nature. Intimate self-disclosure allows others to penetrate a

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person’s public personal and discover his or her innermost self. Relationships stagnate
when the people involved refused to self-disclosure.

Stages of self-disclosure

Altman and Tylor first described the process of self-disclosure as peeling back the
layers of an onion, which possess both breadth and depth. Breadth refers to the various
facets of a person’s life. Such as work family, community and hobbies. Depth pertains to
the details concerning each of these areas. The outer layers of the onion represent
superficial information about a person, such as physical appearance and speech. The
deeper layers represent more intimate information, such as the person’s thoughts.
Feelings and relationships with others. As a person self-discloses to a friend or partner,
she peels away the outer layers of herself toward exposing her core nature. Altman and
Taylor outlined the various stages of intimacy that result from this process of self-
disclosure:

1. Orientation Stage- also known as the “small talk” or “first impression” stage.
Communicators become acquainted by observing mannerisms and personal
dress and by exchanging non-intimate information about themselves. Interaction
adheres to social norms.
2. Exploratory Affective Stage- communicators begin to reveal more about
themselves, such as their opinions concerning politics and sports teams. Deeply
personal information is withheld. Casual friendships develop at this stage, and
most relationships stay at this level.
3. Affective Stage- Communicators begin to disclose personal and private matters.
Personal ways of speaking, such as using idioms or unconventional language, is
allowed to come through. Communicators feel comfortable enough to argue or
criticize each other. Romantic relationships develop at this stage.
4. Stable Stage- Communicators share a relationship in which disclosure is open
and comfortable. They can predict how the other person will react to certain
types of information.

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 5. Depenetration- Occurs when one or both communicators perceive that the cost
of self-disclosure outweighs its benefits. Communicators withdraw from self-
disclosure, thus ending the relationship.

According to social penetration theory, shouldn’t feel closer to each other, and rate
personal relationships higher, because of social media sharing. Social penetration
theory encompasses not just shared verbal exchanges, but non-verbal and
environmentally orientated behaviors (Tylor and Altman, 1987). Again, like intimacy,
these are missing from social media platforms.

Social penetration can be compared to different types of relationships and to different

aspects of relationships. These layers are a key aspect of the theory. Although self-
disclosure is a behavioral component of the self-penetration process, it includes any
behavior that is interpersonal - verbal, non-verbal, or environmental - that affects
relationship development (Sprecher et al, 2008). Social penetration theory generates
predictions about the pattern of relationships as they develop. Rychlak (1984) argues
that relationships can be compared to games and relationships are evaluated in a
process, reconsidered, and the thought process leads to thinking about the future of the
relationship. Therefore, social media and relationships can also be seen as a pattern of
behavior.

The theory is related to the study because as the social penetration theory, people get
to know each other better, they are more likely to disclose more information about one
another that may cause jealousy feelings. When it comes to relationships, social media
gives couples the chance to find out information or history about one another. With the
technology and the ease of partner monitoring online one might begin to see a rise in
jealousy between couples.

3. PROBLEM STATEMENT

Social media has become a popular communication channel among the married
couples as indicated by the survey that was recently done (Ipsos, 2015). Marital
instability is a phenomenon that has been on the increase in South Africa with media
reports showing that divorce cases are on the rise and steadily increasing, going by the

11
number of divorce cases field at the law courts. Marital relationship is common topic of
discussion in social media. This suggests that social media potentially influences and
shapes social relationships including the institution of marriage (Isaac et al., 2014).
However, little has been done with reference to social media impact on success of
marriage. Most research on the impact of social media usage on married couples has
focused on the users’ civic life and economic dimensions such as business operations.

This study seeks to investigate the extent in which social media use impacts on the high
rate of divorces observed amongst married couples, as there has been a steady rise in
the rate of divorce among couples who are married and this continues to have adverse
impact on the family, the community of those involved and the nation as large.
According to Jordan (2012), for marriage to take place, there has to be a point of
contact first before courtship which may then lead to marriage hence the need for
dating. There exist many online dating sites as a result of technological advancement
and people are using this medium to meet intending spouses especially youths (Laju,
2014). As a result, some usually end up getting married to their online spouses but does
this usually have a happy ending or can such marriage be said to be sustainable as a
result of some on the risks involved in choosing spouses online (Sheri, 2015).

4. AIMS

4.1. To establish the extent in which social media impacts on the high rate of divorce
cases.

4.2. To determine the extent in which social media influences on unethical behavior
amongst married couples.

4.3. To investigate the extent in which social media enhances communication amongst
married couples.

5. RESEARCH QUESTIONS

5.1. Into what degree does social media impacts on the high rate of divorce cases
amongst couples?

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5.2. Into what extent does social media influences on unethical behavior amongst
married couples?

5.3. How does social media enhance communication amongst married couples?

6. RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

6.1. There is an impact of social media on the high rate of divorce cases.

6.2. Into some extent, social media influences unethical behavior amongst married
couples.

6.3. There is an effect of social media in the enhancement of communication amongst

married couples.

7. RESEARCH METHODS

According to Bless (2013), methods are principles used for doing a particular kind of
work, especially scientific or academic research. Generally there are two types of
methods are qualitative and quantitative method. The study will use quantitative
research method of collecting data. This research method helps the researcher to test
hypothesis and to measure relationships between variables. Quantitative relies on the
measurements or numerical data to compare and analyses different variables.
Advantages of quantitative method are that the method produces quantifiable, reliable
data that is usually generalized to a larger population. Deals with quantifying and
analysis variables in order to get results, it involves the utilization and analysis of
numerical data using specific statistical techniques to answer questions. According to
Babbie (2013) Paradigm refers to a set of general philosophical assumptions about the
nature of the world (ontology) and how to understand epistemology.

7.1.1. Population

Married couples in Ngwelezane Township have been chosen for this study because it
has more broken families due to the high usage of social media, internet or to the

13
technological changes that is introduced into the society. The targeted populations of
this study are both females and males couples who are still in marriage, separated and
divorced, also those who are in the process of getting married to be aware of the effects
that social media has on couples. They must be between the ages from 18 to 50 years
because they may have more experiences and relevant information (primary data) of
the results caused by social media. The government officials surrounding Ngwelezane
include Mayor of the Mhlathuze Municipality, Mr. B. V Mthethwa, Councilor Ward 01, L.
G. Cebekhulu. Ngwelezane is under Mhlathuze Municipality with an estimated
population of 384 449 people (census, 2011). At Mhlathuze, there are more couples
which they are in the middle class of earnings, mostly they get married and start
families. Usually, young couples likes to reside at Ngwelezane Township and there are
the ones who are more exposed to social media.

7.1.2. Sampling and sample size

According to Bless (2013), a sample is a small quantity of the population that represents
the whole population. It is the portion of the universe and ideally. It reflects with
reasonable accuracy the opinion, attitudes or behavior of the entire communities.
Sampling is a selected number of cases from the population to survey (Babbie, 2008).
The researcher will select 96 respondents which are going to represent the whole
population of Ngwelezane Township. Possible sampling methods are classified into
probability and non-probability sampling methods. The non-probability sampling
methods refer to cases where the probability of including each element of the population
in a sample is unknown (Bless et al., 2006). When a complete population list is not
available non-probability sampling is more suitable. The study will use the probability
sampling method (simple random sampling) where everyone is chosen entirely by
chance and each member of the population has an equal chance, or probability, of
being selected. One way of obtaining a random sample is to give everyone in a
population a number and use a table of random numbers to decide which individuals to
include. based on the estimated population of Ngwelezane, at a standard error margin
of 10%, a confidence level of 95%, and a 50% response distribution, a sample size of is
electronically calculated.

7.1.3. Data collection method

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The instrument that will be used to obtain data for this study will be a questionnaire and
open-ended questions. The questionnaire for this study will consist of five (5) sections,
section A: Demographic data, Section B: The social media use, Section C: The social
media and relationships, Section D: The Marital status, section E: The strategies
adopted to keep marriage stable. The questionnaires will consist of closed questions
and delivered by hand to the participants.

7.1.4. Data analysis

The researcher analyses and interpret data collected in order to draw meaningful
conclusions from findings. Data analysis is a systematic process involving working with
data organizing and breaking them into manageable unity (Bagdon, 1992). It is also
concerned with data systemization patterns and meaning (Cohen, 2007). All information
collected from questionnaires is subjected to content analysis which is involved in
identifying coherent and important themes and patterns in data collected from the field
work. The statistical analysis of data will be done through the married couples who are
on social media sites, the data collected from respondents will be presented in
frequency tables and figures using statistics package for social science (SPSS).
Statistical methods of descriptive frequency tables will be used to interpret interval and
nominal data.

7.1.5. Ethical considerations

A researcher plays a significant role in the investigative process. Determining the

course of the project and monitor every research activity. According to Creswell (2009)
researchers, whether they are conducting quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods of
research, should actively anticipate and address ethical dilemmas that may occur at
each stage of the research.

7.1.5.1. Confidentiality

Confidentiality is an ethical requirement in most research. Information provided by

participants, particularly sensitive and personal information, should be protected and not

15
made available to anyone other than the researchers. Thus, data collected from
participants should at all times be kept under secure conditions (Bless, 2013).

7.1.5.2. Informed consent and voluntary participation

According to Bless (2013), participants have a right to know what the research is about,
how it will affect them, the risk and benefits of participants, and the fact that they have
the right to decline to participate or to discontinue their participation any time during the
process if they choose to do so.

7.1.5.3. Respect for participants’ rights and dignity

As human beings, all participants have legal human rights. No research project should
in any way violate these rights when participants are recruited. It is necessary therefore
to ensure that the dignity and self- respect of participants is always preserved. An
important part of protecting people’s dignity is to understand and respecting their
culture. For example, in many cultures it is considered highly inappropriate to discuss
certain topics with anyone other than one’s closest confidents (Bless, 2013). The basic
human rights of the participants will be taken into account by the researcher.

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APPENDICES

Appendix A: Introduction to questionnaire

Introduction

My name is Zwane Andile Nomvelo. I am a post-graduate student conducting research

for the award of master’s degree in Exploring the implications of social media on
married couples at Ngwelezane Township.

Purpose of the study: the purpose of the study is to determine the impact that the social
media has on the marriages at Ngwelezane Township.

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Confidentiality: To enhance your confidentiality, all the information you write in the
questionnaire is strictly confidential and will be used for the purpose of this research
study only. Please do not reveal your name or identity anywhere on the instrument.

Statement of Informed Consent: I understand that participation in this study is voluntary

and that I am free to withdraw my consent to participate in this study at any time.
Refusal to participate or withdrawal will involve no penalty or benefits. I have been given
the opportunity to ask questions about the research, and I have received answers
concerning the areas that I do not understand. I willingly consent to participate in this
research.

………………………………………….. …………………………………..

Signature of Respondent Date

Appendix B: Questionnaire

SECTION A: DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

1. Gender

Male
Female

2. Age group

<30 years

21
 30-39
years
40-49
years
50-59
years
60 above

3. Religion

Christian
Muslim
None
Other (please specify)

4. Highest level of education

Primary education
Secondary education
Middle level college
University education

5. How old were you when you got married?

<30 years
30-39 years

22
 40-49 years
50-59 years

6. How old were your partner when you got married?

<30
years
30-39
years
40-49
years
50-59
years

7. How long have you been married?

< 10 years
5-10 years
10-15 years
15 years and above
8. Which of the following best describes your type of marriage?

Customary marriage
Christian marriage
Civil marriage
Islamic marriage
Hindu marriage
Common law (cohabiting)

Section B: SOCIAL MEDIA USE

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 9. Do you use any of the following social media sites?

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Instagram
Myspace
Gloogle+
Friendster
Other (please specify)

10. Which of the social media site do you use most often? (Please tick ONE only)

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Instagram
Myspace
Gloogle+
Friendster
Other (please specify)

11. How often do you visit social media sites?

Daily
Occasionally

12. How frequently do you visit social media sites in a day?

Once a day
Twice a day

24
 Thrice a day
Four times+

13. On the average, how much time do you spend on social media per visit?

Less than 5 minutes

5 to 15 minutes
15 to 30 minutes
More than 30 minutes

14. What time of the day do you usually visit social media sites?

Any time
Mostly in the morning
Mostly in the evening

15. While at which place do you mostly usually visit social media?

While at home
While away from home
SECTION C: SOCIAL MEDIA AND RELATIONSHIP

16. What do you mostly use social media sites for? Please tick ONE only

To connect with old friends

To make new friends
To catch up with family
Other (please specify)

17. Do you usually post, o have you ever posted any romantic information such as
special moments with your spouse or friend on the social media sites?

25
 Yes, with spouse
Yes, but not with spouse
No
18.or have you ever posted any romantic information such as special moments with
your spouse or friend on the social media sites?

Yes, with spouse

Yes, but not with spouse
No

18. Have you declared your status in your profile that you married?

Yes
No

20. Have your spouse sent you a friend request on social media?

Yes
No

21. If Yes, to Q19 above, what was your immediate reaction?

I was excited about it and accepted immediately

I hesitated for a while but eventually accepted
I have neither accepted nor declined to date
I declined the friend request as I didn’t like the idea

22. Have you ever checked, or feel the need to check on your spouse’s social
media to know whom she or he is friends with?

Yes

26
 No

23. Please indicate whether you agree or disagree with the following statements:

27
28
or have you ever posted any romantic information such as special moments with your
spouse or friend on the social media sites?

Yes, with spouse

Yes, but not with spouse
No

24. Have you declared your status in your profile that you married?

Yes
No

25. Have your spouse sent you a friend request on social media?

Yes
No

26. If Yes, to Q19 above, what was your immediate reaction?

I was excited about it and accepted immediately

I hesitated for a while but eventually accepted
I have neither accepted nor declined to date
I declined the friend request as I didn’t like the idea

27. Have you ever checked, or feel the need to check on your spouse’s social
media to know whom she or he is friends with?

Yes
No

28. Please indicate whether you agree or disagree with the following statements:

29
 Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
disagree Agree
I often feel comfortable with whatever my
spouse is doing on social media.
M spouse’s usage of social media make me
feel uneasy and suspicious.
Generally, my spouse’s use of social media
is straining our marriage.
I often feel jealous whenever my spouse is
chatting on social media with friends of the
opposite sex.
I don’t care whatever my spouse does on
social media.

SECTION D: MARITAL SUCCESS

29. Please indicate whether you agree or disagree with the following statements:

Always Almost Occasionally Frequently Almost Always

agree always disagree disagree always disagre
agree disagre e
e
Matters
recreation.
Demonstrati
on of
affection.
Friends.
Sex

30
 relations.
Conventional
ity (right,
good or
proper
conduct).
Philosophy
of life.

30. Do you ever wish you are not married?

Frequently
Occasionally
Rarely
Never

31. Generally, please rate your level of satisfaction with your marriage?

Very happy
Somewhat happy
Rarely happy
Never happy

SECTION D: STRATEGIES ADOPTED TO KEEP MARRIAGE STABLE

32. Please indicate whether you agree or disagree with the following statements:

Strongly Disagre Agree Strongly

disagree e Agree
I can tell you some of my spouse’s life

31
 dreams.
I know my partner’s current worries.
My partner really respects me.
I feel loved and cared for.
We really enjoy discussing things together
We share a lot of interests in common.
At times I feel quite lonely
It is always hard for my deepest feelings to
get attention
There is not enough closeness between us
I have adapted to a lot which is not a good
idea

33. In your view, is social media enhancing marriages or destroying them?

Please explain?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………

“THANK YOU FOR YOU PARTICIPATION”

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BUDGET
Budget Estimation
communication expenses, transport expenses and printing, editing and binding.

Budget Estimation
Items Amount Motivation

Photocopying, stationery R2,000.00 Reading material,

and printing
Transport, communication R6,000.00 Collecting data, visiting schools,
Photocopying, stationery and district office and provincials office
printing
Proof reading and editing R4,000.00 Editor to edit dissertation, language
correction and structuring of
dissertation.
Communication, photocopying, R4,000.00 Data bundles and making calls
stationery and printing
Printing and binding R3,500.00 Printing enough copies and binding
them
Total R19,500

33