Abstract
Communication technology such as the mobile phone often presents a double-edged sword in
romantic relationships. While the mobile phone can enhance the quality of communication, it
can simultaneously become a source of conflict. The dialectic framework of Communication
Privacy Management presents a nuanced lens from which to investigate the rules for the use
of the mobile phone in the dyad of romantic relationships. This study sought to investigate
mobile phone usage rules that are negotiated by South African adolescents and young adults
in their romantic relationships and the factors that influence the negotiation. The study
specifically focused on rules around mobile privacy management. Findings from survey data
indicate that the negotiation of mobile phone usage rules is a crucial part of young adult
relationships’ health. Variables of gender and length of relationship were important factors
in the rule development process. Implications, limitations, and future research are discussed.