Marriage remains a key societal institution, with marital stability crucial for couples and child-rearing. Despite

rising interest, especially in the era of social media, limited research examines Facebook use and marital stability

among married individuals. This study investigated this relationship in Embakasi West Constituency, guided by

Social Exchange and Social Comparison Theories. Using a quantitative correlational survey design, 300

respondents completed structured questionnaires, including the Facebook Intensity Scale and ENRICH Marital

Satisfaction Scale. Findings revealed that Facebook use has both positive and negative effects, with excessive

proportionate random sample of 300 respondents was drawn using the Yamane (1967) formula. The pre-testing

sample of 30 respondents (10% of the total sample) was conducted at the International Christian Church (ICC)

to assess the validity and reliability of the Facebook Intensity Scale and ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale.

Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics via SPSS version 26. Ethical considerations were

observed throughout, ensuring confidentiality and voluntary participation, and the methodology ensured robust,

representative, and generalisable findings.

The study captured diverse demographic characteristics of respondents. Females constituted the majority at

62.6% (n = 127), while males accounted for 37.4% (n = 76). Most participants were aged between 31 and 40

years (41.4%, n = 84), followed by those 30 years and below (28.1%, n = 57). Participants aged 41–50 years

The study indicates a significant relationship between Facebook use and marital stability among married

individuals in Embakasi West Constituency, with excessive use undermining trust, intimacy, and quality time,

while moderate use may support communication and connection.

Keyword: Levels, Facebook Use, Marital Satisfaction, Married individuals, Embakasi West Constituency,

Nairobi.

Globally, human communication has always been central to social interaction, enabling people to share thoughts,

emotions, and intentions(Servaes, 2020). From verbal language to non-verbal cues, human beings have

consistently sought ways to express themselves effectively. Historical accounts, such as those in the Bible,

illustrate that communication has always been fundamental; God’s conversations with Adam and Eve in the

Facebook usage site by 2009 (Kim et al., 2015).

Facebook currently has an estimated 2.934 billion active users worldwide. This rapid expansion highlights the

platform’s ability to facilitate connections, yet it has also raised concerns regarding privacy, addiction, and

marital relationship dynamics(Ibrahim et al., 2012). In the United States, excessive Facebook use has been linked

to increased divorce rates and decreased marital satisfaction. Specifically, a correlation of r = -0.45 has been

reported between Facebook use and marital stability, indicating that higher engagement often coincides with

marital discord(Lee, 2021). Clayton et al., (2013)found that Facebook encourages secretive behaviors, jealousy,

and infidelity, which destabilize marriages. Despite these risks, Facebook also offers benefits, particularly for

long-distance couples. Hertlein & Chan, (2020)observed that social networks allow geographically separated

partners to maintain communication, emotional closeness, and relationship satisfaction. Fryer et al.,

frequently report marital discord linked to Facebook, including infidelity and mistrust (Adegoke & Esere, 2020).

South Africa has witnessed similar patterns, particularly among young couples, who cite Facebook as a source

of tension and arguments (Posel & Rudwick, 2019). In contrast, in Tanzania and Uganda, lower Facebook

adoption has limited its disruptive effects on marriages; however, increasing platform penetration is raising

concerns for the future ((Mugisha & Odiwuor, 2018)

In Zimbabwe, household internet use has been associated with communication breakdowns, with 90% of

surveyed respondents acknowledging its disruptive impact and 50% explicitly citing Facebook as contributing

to family conflicts (Kodzai, 2015). Across Africa, the negative impacts of Facebook on marital relationships

often stem from emotional detachment, reduced communication, and virtual infidelity. Social networking

platforms have reshaped traditional relationship norms, challenging marital stability in societies where cultural

and other major cities.

Facebook use in Kenya has been linked to relational challenges among married couples, particularly in urban

areas. Excessive engagement on the platform has been associated with jealousy, infidelity, and diminished

communication between spouses (Odhiambo & Kimani, 2021). Specifically, 65% of Kenyan couples reported

that Facebook facilitated inappropriate relationships, while 72% noted that it enabled reconnecting with former

partners. Additionally, 58% acknowledged reduced spousal communication due to social media distractions

(Muturi & Kinyua, 2019). Despite these concerns, Facebook also serves as a tool for maintaining social

connections, emotional support, and coordination of long-distance interactions, illustrating its dual role in marital

dynamics.

Traditional values and cultural practices continue to shape marital relationships in Kenya, yet the pervasive

friends and extended family, and manage long-distance interactions. However, excessive or inappropriate use

has been linked to reduced spousal communication, mistrust, jealousy, and virtual infidelity. While moderate

use can foster communication and emotional closeness, overuse is associated with relational strain. Facebook’s

dual impact is evident in both the maintenance and disruption of marital relationships, reflecting trends observed

globally and nationaly(Mutiso, 2020).

The rise of Facebook usage in Embakasi West has implications for counseling interventions, public awareness

campaigns, and educational programs. Raising awareness about responsible social media use, emphasizing

communication strategies, and promoting digital literacy can enhance marital stability. The influence of

Facebook on marital dynamics underscores the need for empirical investigation within the constituency to inform

locally tailored strategies for sustaining healthy marriages(Karanja, 2023). The findings contribute to better

Harold Kelley, SET integrates sociological, economic, and psychological perspectives to explain why

individuals engage in social interactions. Central to the theory is the notion that behaviors in social groups are

exchanges in which participants seek rewards and aim to minimize costs, thereby influencing the stability of

relationships (Gaucher et al., 2021).

SET has a broad interdisciplinary application across management, psychology, and anthropology. Rather than a

single model, it encompasses a family of conceptual approaches that examine social life as a network of

exchanges between individuals. The theory emphasizes how interactions, dependencies, and relational patterns

shape both short- and long-term social outcomes (Mitchell et al., 2012).The theory identifies resources, including

love, status, information, and services, as key motivators in exchanges. These resources allow individuals to

provide rewards to others, generating positive outcomes—termed “prizes”—that encourage continued

undermine marital trust, depending on the nature and frequency of interactions (Grieve et al., 2013). Trust and

commitment develop through repeated exchanges, contributing to long-term relationship stability. The balance

of dependence and attraction between partners determines relational durability. Within Facebook-mediated

interactions, excessive or inappropriate online engagement may reduce quality time, increase jealousy, or

facilitate virtual infidelity, thereby destabilizing marriages (Ellison et al., 2021). SET is therefore highly relevant

in understanding the relationship between Facebook use and marital stability. It highlights that individuals

engage in online social exchanges driven by potential rewards, while also considering relational costs. This

theoretical lens allows the study to assess whether Facebook interactions enhance marital closeness or create

vulnerabilities that erode trust, ultimately shaping marital stability among married individuals in Embakasi West

Constituency.

Social Comparison Theory (SCT), developed by Leon Festinger in 1954, explains that individuals evaluate

themselves by comparing their opinions, abilities, and emotional states to those of others. When objective

standards are unavailable, people seek out similar others to make comparisons, helping them assess self-worth

judgments and social behavior, influencing both cognitive and emotional outcomes(Festinger, 1954).

A key assumption of SCT is that social comparisons can create cognitive dissonance when inconsistencies arise

play a critical role in shaping these comparative processes(Kendall, 2011).

reliability was confirmed via Cronbach’s Alpha coefficients above 0.70 (Creswell, 2012; Olayinka & Abideen,

2023).Findings revealed that females constituted 62.6% (n = 127) of participants, while males accounted for

37.4% (n = 76). Most participants were aged 31–40 years (41.4%, n = 84), followed by 30 years and below

(28.1%, n = 57), 41–50 years (18.7%, n = 38), 51–60 years (8.4%, n = 17), and over 60 years (3.4%, n = 7). In

terms of education, 31.5% (n = 64) held a degree, 18.7% (n = 38) a master’s, and 17.2% (n = 35) a diploma.

About 30% (n = 61) had been married less than five years, while 10.3% (n = 23) had been married over 20 years.

Ethical procedures included obtaining informed consent, ensuring voluntary participation, and maintaining

confidentiality. Data analysis was performed using SPSS Version 26.0, employing descriptive statistics and

Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Findings were presented in summary tables illustrating demographics,

Facebook use, marital stability, and relationships between variables (Gill, 2020).

(2013)observed in Europe and North America that online interaction impacts marital dynamics by affecting trust

and communication patterns. Furthermore,Nisar et al., (2019)reported in England that Facebook use significantly

affects marital stability, supporting the current study’s observation that high Facebook engagement may pose

risks to marital harmony while fostering connectedness.

with ex-partners, and disagreements over content shared online emerged as sources of tension. This duality

demonstrates that the impact of Facebook on marital stability largely depends on how couples navigate its use.

The study emphasizes the need for establishing boundaries, fostering open communication, and practicing

mindful engagement to mitigate potential negative effects while enhancing the benefits of social media in

supporting healthy marital relationships.