Attitudes of Maltese young adults about giving access to their personal digital space to their partners

Abstract

This study will investigate the attitudes of Maltese young adults with regards to the sharing of digital space between intimate partners. It focuses on their awareness of this phenomenon and their view on this subject. Making use of qualitative methodology, this study explores young adults’ opinions, how prevalent they think that this phenomenon is amongst couples and if it may contribute to any abuse or violence in an intimate relationship. Four focus groups were conducted amongst Maltese participants between the ages of 19 and 33 years. These participants were recruited through opportunistic sampling. Data collected from the focus groups was analysed using thematic analysis. Participants differentiated between types of sharing of digital space, that is, mutual sharing of passwords of social media accounts, giving access to one’s phone, and joint accounts on social networking sites. Reasons that might motivate couples to share their digital space were discussed together with explanations why one should avoid to do so and possible repercussions of this sharing. One of the main implications of this study is the change in dynamics of relationships because of the intrusion of social media. Further research needs to be carried out in order to further understand this phenomenon.