This article proposes that WhatsApp can offer insights into couples’ relationships. Based on Gottman’s therapy model, which mathematically analyzes marital conflicts, this study focuses on couples’ WhatsApp correspondence and asks to what extent it reflects the offline relationships of Generation X. The research was conducted over a year using semi-structured interviews with 18 couples who have been in a relationship for at least 5 years. The couples described their discourse on WhatsApp and the dynamics of their relationship offline. The findings indicate that WhatsApp use mirrors offline relationships. The following four types of interaction were identified: (1) technical, (2) practical, (3) casual, and (4) emotional. In addition, the following three patterns of conflictual behavior that correspond with Gottman’s distinctions were identified: (1) logical, (2) emotional, and (3) avoidant. The article cites WhatsApp’s potential for behavioral observation and the possibility of using it to change relationship dynamics.

本文建议 WhatsApp 可以提供有关夫妻关系的见解。本研究基于对婚姻冲突进行数学分析的 Gottman 治疗模型，重点关注夫妻的 WhatsApp 通信，并询问它在多大程度上反映了 X 一代的线下关系。该研究进行了一年多的半结构化访谈，对 18 对夫妻进行了半结构化访谈。已恋爱至少 5 年。这对夫妇描述了他们在 WhatsApp 上的谈话以及他们线下关系的动态。调查结果表明，WhatsApp 使用镜像离线关系。确定了以下四种类型的互动：（1）技术，（2）实用，（3）随意，和（4）情感。此外，还确定了与 Gottman 的区别相对应的以下三种冲突行为模式：（1）逻辑，（2）情感，（3）回避。文章引用了 WhatsApp 进行行为观察的潜力以及使用它来改变关系动态的可能性。