Close Encounters

From close relationships to online behavior

Gwendolyn Seidman Ph.D.

Does Silencing Notifications Curb Compulsive Phone Use?

New research investigates how turning off smartphone notifications may affect phone-checking frequency.

When, and Why, Looking at Your Phone Harms Your Relationship

The way phubbing is perceived is more important than whether or not it occurred.

Why Do We Let Our Phones Interfere When We Socialize?

Even though most people dislike it when others "phub" (phone-snub) them, we keep doing it anyway. New research examines why.

The Pandemic's Long-Term Effects on Attitudes

The pandemic has led many people to shift their attitudes. But it's young people whose views will be indelibly marked.

How Narcissists Really View Their Partners

Narcissists seek trophy partners, but do they view themselves as the better trophy?

Could Valentine’s Day Be Bad for Some Relationships?

Valentine’s Day can increase feelings of love, but it also has the potential to make problems worse for couples who are already in trouble.

Are Dating Apps Better at Finding Love or Sex?

New research examines whether the search for love or lust leads people to meet up with their dating app matches.

Can How You Look on Screen Contribute to Zoom Fatigue?

Many factors contribute to Zoom fatigue. New research suggests that our level of self-consciousness and satisfaction with our appearance play a role.

What Do Singles Want in the Second Year of the Pandemic?

A new survey finds that singles are seeking more commitment and a slower progression to physical intimacy.

How Do Narcissists React to Breakups?

A new study explored how different facets of narcissism can explain how narcissists react to romantic breakups.

The Necessity of "Butler Lies" in a Hyper-Connected World

Thanks to our smartphones, we're constantly connected to each other. But this may create pressure to engage in a new, subtle, type of dishonesty: The Butler Lie.

The Benefits of Being Friends Before Partners

Friendships that turn into romances are more common than many think—and have some distinct advantages.

Moving a Lockdown Relationship to Real Life

Despite social isolation, online dating surged during the pandemic. Now many couples must readjust their relationships to the restored rest of their lives.

Why Online Dating Works for Some and Not Others

People who tend to focus on what they can gain from relationships tend to more successful than those who focus on avoiding the negatives.

Breaking up the Easy Way: Who Ghosts and Who Gets Ghosted?

New research examines the qualities that make people more likely to be victims or perpetrators of the breakup technique known as “ghosting.”

COVID-19 Anxiety and Shifting Relationship Standards

New research explores how anxiety about the pandemic changed people’s attitudes about what they value in a long-term romantic partner.

How Do Couples Use Instagram?

New research explores how relationship satisfaction and interest in alternative partners relate to Instagram use.

How Narcissists Really See Their Relationships

A new study finds that narcissists may experience especially positive or especially negative interactions with their partners.

How Someone's Attachment Style Affects Their Social Media Use

Research suggests that anxiously and avoidantly attached individuals may use social media for different reasons.

Has COVID-19 Helped or Harmed Romantic Relationships?

There have been conflicting reports of increases in divorce, alongside reports of the pandemic bringing people closer. So what do the data really say?

How Is the Pandemic Affecting the Way People Date?

The second in a series of two posts explores how dating has changed in the age of COVID-19. From virtual dates to health and safety concerns.

How the Pandemic Is Affecting Dating Attitudes

New data provide a glimpse into pandemic-era dating.

What Can We Learn About People From Their Social Media?

How much can we learn from people's social media profiles? What you do on social media, what you post, what you "like," and even your specific word choice relate to personality.

Why Do People Take Selfies?

Past research found links between narcissism and selfie-taking. But is there more to it?

There Are Three Types of Relationship Histories

New research shows there are three types of relationship history patterns. Which patterns are related to the greatest long-term happiness?

Why Are Narcissists Less Committed to Their Partners?

New research examines how narcissists' lack of commitment can be explained by their perceptions of themselves and their attitudes toward potential alternative partners.

Looking for Love Online During Lockdown

Online dating is one of the only ways to meet new people during lockdown. How might this change the way people date?

Why So Many People Are Contacting Their Exes Right Now

Feelings of loneliness and anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic may lead some people to reach out to their exes. What's behind this urge to reconnect?

Who Can Best Convince People to Stop the Spread?

Who is likely to be most influential in convincing the public to take precautions against COVID-19?

The Best Tactics for Convincing People to Stop the Spread

What should those who need to convince others to comply with recommendations to stop the spread do?

  • Previous
  • Page 1 (current)
  • Next