Influence of Facebook Use on Spousal Abuse among Married Women in Kwale County, Kenya

Abstract

While most studies focuses on patriarchy and male dominance as contributors to spousal abuse, the role of emerging factors, such as social media use among couples, remain neglected. This paper examines associations between Facebook use (hours spent daily, frequency of posting and reacting to content, and number of friends and followers) and spousal abuse (physical, psychological, and controlling behaviours) among married women in Kwale County, Kenya. Using a mixed-methods design with a survey (n = 263) and key informant interviews, the study tested relationships between hours spent on Facebook, frequency of activity, and size of online networks with measures of spousal abuse. Results show that greater time and activity on Facebook predict higher levels of threats and control, while larger friend/follower networks are associated with lower risk of abuse. The findings underscore the dual nature of social media use in marital relationships. Policy recommendations include digital literacy initiatives, tailored counselling, and legal reforms addressing technology-facilitated abuse.