THE IMPACT OF ADVANCED INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY ON MARITAL INSTABILITY IN TANZANIA: A CASE OF SHINYANGA MUNICIPALITY

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted in Shinyanga region where by Shinyanga Municipality is

selected as the study area. The study focuses on the impact of advanced information and

communication technology (ICT) on marital instability. The main objective of this study

is to examine the impact that advanced of ICT imposes on marital instability in urban

areas. Specifically, this study intends to determine the level and use of ICT knowledge

among couples and the extent to which the ICT influence marital instability, to see the

characteristics of those whose marital instability is influenced by ICT and to explore the

measures taken by government and all other stakeholders for effective use of ICT to bring

about marital stability. A sample of 127 respondents was used and the methods used in

data collection are interviews, questionnaire and documentary review. The statistical

package for social science (SPSS) was used for management of data and analysis. The

study reveals that advanced development of ICT and social networks in general has

greater implication on marital instability in various parts of the world and Tanzania in

general. The uses of ICT led to couples conflict and misunderstandings, sexual deviation

and hooliganism that ultimately led to divorce. This study recommends that all

stakeholders from individual level to the national in general should be sensitive on

advanced ICT particularlly on what to be adopted and not, a negative and untangible

effects of ICT on marriage, the government should regulate and administers the uses of

ICT that promote better welfare and the government and other leaders should ensure that

laws and policy for uses of ICT is strentherned.