The purpose of the present study was to examine computer-mediated relational maintenance for its impacts on different dimensions of relationship quality. A systematic literature review was conducted to determine: (a) the extent to which findings related to computer-mediated relational maintenance behaviors and relationship quality correspond with typologies derived from offline relational maintenance behaviors, and (b) what overarching themes exist in current literature regarding the impacts of computer-mediated relational maintenance on the quality of nonplatonic relationships. Findings revealed support for six relational maintenance categories as contributing to relational maintenance via CMC: positivity, openness, assurances, social networks, conflict management, and surveillance. Furthermore, jealousy and idealization emerged as noteworthy relationship outcomes associated with the use of CMC for relational maintenance. Overall, CMC use between nonplatonic partners was associated with more positive than negative relationship outcomes. Implications, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.
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