EFFECTS OF DIGITAL COMMUNICATION ON ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS :AN ANALYSIS OF ROUPENIAN’S CAT PERSON

Abstract

This study explores Kristen Roupenian’s Cat Person (2017) as a literary lens through which we examine the complexities of modern dating, digital communication, and gender dynamics. The narrative sheds light on critical issues such as miscommunication, emotional vulnerability, and the disparity between digital personas and real-life identities, this research highlights how technology affects contemporary romantic relationships. The primary aim of this study is to analyze how digital communication impacts relational dynamics, particularly focusing on the tensions that arise between virtual and in-person interactions in the context of modern romance. The study employs thematic analysis as its methodological approach, a qualitative technique that involves identifying, analyzing, and interpreting patterns within the narrative. The findings indicate that digital communication serves as both a source of alienation and a means of connection in romantic relationships, revealing the dual role of technology in fostering intimacy and creating emotional distance. Based on these findings, the study recommends further exploration of how digital communication can be better understood and navigated to foster healthier romantic relationships.