Los amantes en la época del smartphone: aspectos comunicativos y psicológicos relativos al inicio y mantenimiento de la relación romántica

Smartphones are an important, and sometimes indispensable, part of people's contemporary lives in multiple dimensions. The main purpose of this paper is to analyze the use of these devices in romantic relationships. Using a sociodeterministic approach to communication technologies, this paper reviews the communicative and psychological motivations associated with different patterns of smartphone use in the pre-relationship (e.g., partner search through micro-dating apps) and post-relationship phases. In particular, it describes some of the most relevant advances in this field of study and discusses the degree of influence this type of device has on the formation, consolidation, or termination of relationships. It also reviews some patterns of mobile device use that have negative effects on relationships, such as phubbing, sexting, and cyberbullying. This paper also aims to lay out a roadmap for subsequent empirical analyses regarding the instrumental role of technology in romantic relationships.