Technology-Facilitated Intimate Partner Violence Among U.S. Young Adults: Associations With Physical Intimate Partner Violence, Gender Identity, and Mental Health Outcomes

While smartphones are ubiquitous, especially among young people, their usage has created new avenues for abuse. Technology-facilitated intimate partner violence (TFIPV) can lead to several negative impacts on physical and mental health. Studies have found higher victimization rates among young people and mixed results based on gender identity. This study examines various forms of TFIPV victimization among U.S. young adults, focusing on its associations with physical intimate partner violence (IPV), gender identity, and mental health. Using data from the Year-22 survey of the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study, our cross-sectional analysis included a sample of 1,053 young adults who were in a serious relationship, engaged, or married. Our findings highlight the link between TFIPV and physical IPV, as individuals who experienced physical IPV had almost 10 times the odds of experiencing TFIPV compared to those who had not experienced physical IPV. Young men reported TFIPV victimization rates at least two times greater than young women; however, worse mental health outcomes were found only among young women. Individuals with less education were more likely to experience TFIPV compared to individuals with college degrees, regardless of gender. Our results suggest the need to challenge the stereotype that men are less likely to be victims of TFIPV, a stereotype that discourages men from identifying as victims and seeking help. Prevention and intervention frameworks should move toward inclusive and gender-neutral approaches, while still acknowledging that the types of abuse may vary by gender. In addition, programming should highlight the different forms TFIPV can take and normalize open discussions about unhealthy digital relationship dynamics.