For class, I read “Channels of Computer-Mediated Communication and Satisfaction in Long-Distance Relationships” by Hampton et al. The article discusses long distance relationships and how new technologies have allowed couples to communicate more frequently and have more quality interactions.

The research indicated that Skype led to the highest level of satisfaction in LDRs. This doesn’t surprise me because Skype provides online experience that is closest to in-person communication. It allows you to talk to your partner and see their face like you would in person. However, this article was published in 2017. I feel like in recent years, I believe Skype has been pushed aside in favor of FaceTime. Personally, I haven’t used Skype in a very long time, long before 2017. I wonder if these results would hold true when compared to FaceTime, or if couples experience the same levels of satisfaction in a LDR with Skype or FaceTime.

Additionally, the findings show that couples in LDRs experience similar levels of satisfaction to couples in geographically-close relationships. I’m curious if these are couples that have always been long distance. Would couples who were once geographically-close and became long distance report the same level of satisfaction? Or would this be more of a challenge? I believe this is a factor to look into. Another factor that came to mind is how often do the couples in LDRs see each other? If they are able to visit more often, I wonder if the results would be skewed.

This article was interesting! LDRs are more feasible now with so much technology to make it possible. I just wonder if certain factors would impact the findings, like how long the couples have been long distance, how often they see each other, and if Skype could be interchangeable for FaceTime or not.