We all know that human beings are social animals.

We strive for intimacy, for a feeling of

belongingness. We survive in groups. But most of all, all of us are looking to form intimate
relationships, be it for the sake of family, for legacy, to feel loved, understood - there can be many
reasons. It is a known fact that when people form and maintain healthy relationships, it has a
positive impact on our subjective wellbeing.
How do people form these intimate relationships? Even in the West in the 18th and 19th centuries,
matches were made by the blessing of one’s family members. They were all expected to follow the
norms and accept arranged marriages. Phir culture aaya of independence and finding your true
soulmate by first getting to know them. Iss tarhan se phir aik dating culture aaya which was
supposed to be the preliminary period before people got married. Slowly, this western concept
trickled its way down to places like Pakistan, jahan pe date karna is something that is considered
outside of our culture, norms, values, and religion.
In Pakistan, vast majority still goes through the same arrange marriage dynamics, yet there’s a new
culture emerging from within this conservativeness. An era in which parents have started to
become more tolerant towards their children finding love by themselves.
Dating ke baad ussko mazeed convenient karnay ke liye aik aur cheez aayi, which was dating apps.
The first ever dating app was made in the year 1995, called [Link]. However, till this date,
especially in a country like pakistan, there’s a stigma attached to these apps, because of religion and
our cultural norms. Even though it’s a taboo, dating apps usage in pakistan is at an all time high.
However, even in the west, there are segments of societies that find these apps to have an adverse
impact of one’s personality and that relationships formed through these apps are fleeting
relationships that lack any substance. These dating apps are being used in Pakistan as well, while
some do use it for hookups, there’s a certain percentage that use it for finding longterm
relationships that can lead to marriage. In 2020, it was recorded that round 187000 people from
karachi lahore and islamabad downloaded bumble, tinder, and muzzmatch.

Relationship quality and relationship satisfaction are related but distinct concepts in the field of
relationship studies. Here’s a breakdown of each term:

1. Relationship Quality:
● Definition: Relationship quality refers to the overall assessment of a relationship’s health
and functionality. It encompasses various dimensions such as trust, commitment,
communication, emotional support, and mutual respect.
● Components: It is multi-dimensional and includes several factors that contribute to the
overall perception of how good or valuable a relationship is.
● Evaluation: It is typically evaluated through various aspects like the depth of emotional
connection, level of intimacy, stability, and the presence of positive interactions.
2. Relationship Satisfaction:
● Definition: Relationship satisfaction specifically refers to how content or happy
individuals are with their relationship. It reflects a subjective evaluation of the
relationship’s positivity and fulfillment.
● Components: This is more of a singular dimension focused on personal happiness and
fulfillment derived from the relationship.
● Evaluation: It is often assessed by asking individuals to rate their happiness or
satisfaction with their relationship on a scale.
Key Differences:
● Scope: Relationship quality has a broader scope, incorporating multiple facets of the relationship,
while relationship satisfaction is a more focused measure of happiness or contentment.
● Measurement: Relationship quality might involve assessing various components like
communication, trust, and emotional support, whereas relationship satisfaction usually involves a
more straightforward assessment of how happy or content someone feels in the relationship.
● Interrelation: High relationship quality often contributes to higher relationship satisfaction, but a
person can still feel satisfied with a relationship that might have some quality issues in certain
areas.

In summary, while the two concepts are closely linked and high relationship quality typically leads to high
relationship satisfaction, they are not synonymous. Relationship quality is a comprehensive measure
involving multiple dimensions of the relationship, whereas relationship satisfaction is a specific measure
of an individual's contentment with the relationship.

Being together for 6 months usually signifies a significant period of getting to know one another, building
emotional connections, and deepening the bond. While every relationship is unique, the six-month
milestone often indicates a level of commitment and seriousness.
1. Social Exchange Theory by George Homans, John Thibaut, Harold Kelly:
○ Description: Social exchange theory posits that individuals engage in relationships based
on a cost-benefit analysis. People seek to maximize rewards (such as companionship,
emotional support, and shared experiences) while minimizing costs (such as effort, time,
and sacrifices).
○ Application: In romantic relationships, partners evaluate the balance between what they
invest (e.g., time, emotional energy) and what they receive (e.g., love, intimacy). If the
perceived benefits outweigh the costs, the relationship is likely to continue.
2. Equity Theory:
○ Description: Equity theory focuses on fairness and balance in relationships. It suggests
that individuals strive for equity (equal give-and-take) in their interactions. When there is
perceived inequity (one partner contributes significantly more than the other),
dissatisfaction may arise.
○ Application: Partners assess whether their contributions match their partner’s efforts. If
the relationship feels unfair, it can lead to tension and dissatisfaction.
3. The Investment Model (Rusbult):
○ Description: The investment model considers three factors: satisfaction, alternatives, and
investments. Satisfaction reflects how content individuals are in their relationship.
Alternatives refer to the availability of other potential partners. Investments include
emotional, social, and material resources invested in the relationship.
○ Application: High satisfaction, low attractive alternatives, and substantial investments
increase commitment to a romantic relationship.
4. The Phase Model of Relationship Breakdown (Duck):
○ Description: Duck’s model describes the stages of relationship dissolution. It includes
four phases: intrapsychic (individual dissatisfaction), dyadic (discussing problems), social
(sharing with others), and grave-dressing (moving on and creating a narrative about the
breakup).
○ Application: Understanding these phases helps individuals navigate the challenges of
relationship breakdown and cope with emotions.
5. Triangular Theory of Love
○ Proponent: Robert Sternberg
 ○ Core Idea: Love can be understood in terms of three components: intimacy, passion, and
commitment. The balance of these components affects the type and quality of love
experienced.
○ Application: By examining the presence and balance of intimacy, passion, and
commitment in a relationship, you can assess their impact on relationship quality and
satisfaction.
Effect size= 100 N
R square value is 75% which means 75% of variation in the DV is explained by the IV. Rest 25% is
unknown factor.
Anova <0.05 significant
F: model is fit for relation
B: Increase in quality 1 unit – commitment will increase 0.729
T-stat <0.05
Multicollinearity – highly correlated IVs which can lead to larger standard errors. Redundant. R/s
may not be linear, cant fit straight line.

Practical Implications

Individual Level
1. Enhanced Relationship Strategies: Individuals can benefit from understanding the different
dynamics and challenges associated with relationships formed via dating apps versus traditional
methods. This knowledge can help them develop more effective strategies for navigating their
own romantic relationships, regardless of how they were formed.
2. Informed Decision-Making: By recognizing the unique strengths and weaknesses of
relationships initiated through dating apps, individuals can make more informed decisions about
how to seek and build romantic partnerships that align with their personal preferences and values.
3. Reducing Personal Stigma: Insights from comparative research can inform policies and
educational programs that support healthy relationship development, both online and offline. In
the Pakistani context, this could include integrating relationship education into school curricula
and community programs, helping young people understand and navigate modern relationship
dynamics.

Societal Level

1. Policy and Education: Insights from comparative research can inform policies and educational
programs that support healthy relationship development, both online and offline. In the Pakistani
context, this could include integrating relationship education into school curricula and community
programs, helping young people understand and navigate modern relationship dynamics.
2. Media Representation: Understanding the nuances between app-based and traditionally formed
relationships can influence media portrayal of these relationships, promoting a more balanced and
positive view of dating apps. This can contribute to reducing societal stigma and encouraging
acceptance of various ways people meet and form relationships.
3. Technological Development: Findings from such research can guide the development of dating
apps tailored to Pakistani cultural and social contexts. App developers can design features that
promote deeper connections and meaningful interactions, addressing cultural sensitivities and
preferences.
4. Social Norms and Practices: As societal understanding evolves based on research findings,
social norms and practices around dating and relationships in Pakistan may shift. This can lead to
broader acceptance of diverse relationship formation methods, promoting inclusivity and reducing
 judgment based on how relationships start. This is particularly important in a society where
arranged marriages are common and dating is often viewed with skepticism.
5. Public Health Initiatives: Comprehensive understanding of the dynamics in both types of
relationships can inform public health initiatives aimed at improving mental health and
relationship satisfaction. Programs can be tailored to address the specific needs and challenges
faced by couples depending on how they met, leading to better support systems and resources.
6. Family Acceptance and Integration: Research findings can help in understanding how families
perceive relationships formed through dating apps compared to traditional methods. Strategies
can be developed to foster family acceptance and integration of couples who met through
non-traditional means, which is crucial in the collectivist culture of Pakistan.