Love Across the Wi-Fi

How Students Navigate Relationships in the Digital Age

By Samson Njeru

In today's digital world, long-distance relationships are increasingly common among university students. Recent studies reveal that around 75% of college students experience at least one long-distance relationship during their academic journey. However, despite the growing prevalence of these relationships, research shows that less than 60% of them manage to thrive in the long term. The challenges are many, ranging from communication barriers and trust issues to the emotional strain of not having physical presence. Yet, for many students across Kenyan campuses, digital technology has become the key to keeping love alive from afar.

Grace Muthoni, a fourth-year student at Chuka University, and her boyfriend, Brian, who studies at Maseno University, are familiar with the struggles that come with being in a long-distance relationship. They’ve been apart for two years, connected by nothing more than texts, voice notes, and video calls.

“It’s not easy,” Grace admits, as she scrolls through her phone, waiting for another late-night video call with Brian. “Sometimes, we go days without talking properly. But we’ve learned to stay connected, even if it’s just sending a quick text or voice message.”

For many students, these digital connections are their only means of keeping the relationship intact. While WhatsApp, Instagram, and Zoom provide convenient ways to stay in touch, these platforms also bring new challenges. Faith Njeri, a student who recently ended a two-year relationship, recalls how constant online interactions sometimes worsen the situation. "I used to check his WhatsApp status, see him online, and wonder why he wouldn’t reply,” she says. “The absence of physical presence made everything feel distant, even when we were digitally connected.”

This emotional strain is one of the key issues facing students in long-distance relationships. According to university counselor Mrs. Tabitha Kinyua, these relationships often lead to mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression. “Many students come to me for advice because they are struggling with the emotional toll of a long-distance relationship,” Mrs. Kinyua explains. “The constant uncertainty and emotional rollercoaster of being apart can cause significant stress, which affects both their mental well-being and academic performance.”

However, not all stories are marked by heartbreak. Some couples have found ways to make their relationships work despite the miles between them. Samuel Otieno, a third-year Business student, has been in a long-distance relationship for over a year with his girlfriend, who lives in another part of the country. “We’ve learned to make the most of our time apart,” Samuel shares. “We schedule virtual date nights, study together on video calls, and even watch movies together. It’s not easy, but we’ve built a strong foundation of trust and communication.”

For Samuel and many others, the secret to maintaining a healthy long-distance relationship lies in routine and planning. Small gestures like virtual hangouts or even sending each other thoughtful messages can go a long way in keeping the emotional connection intact.

As university students continue to experience the ups and downs of long-distance relationships, it becomes clear that technology has a significant role to play. While it can bridge the gap and make communication easier, the emotional distance and challenges that come with being physically apart are not to be underestimated. Still, with the right balance of communication, emotional resilience, and mutual commitment, these relationships can flourish.

For students like Grace, keeping a relationship alive across the miles is challenging but not impossible. “We may not be in the same place physically, but we are always in each other’s lives. That’s what matters,” she says, as she smiles after yet another successful video call. It’s clear that long-distance love, though difficult, is still very much alive — even in the digital age.