Communicating In The 21st Century

Text-Messaging and Its Influence on Interpersonal Relationships Keri-Ann Andrade Bridgewater State College Research Question: How has text messaging changed the way in which relationships are formed and maintained? Abstract: This paper examines the impact and effects that text messaging has on the creation and maintaining of relationships compared to traditional face-to-face communication used to form relationships. Text messaging is a growing technology that allows people to communicate across distances and remain in contact with others to keep relationships intact. Relationships are evolving through the use of technology in today’s postmodern world and texting is contributing to this expansion in interpersonal relationships. The present paper explores the usage of computer-mediated communication (CMC) through text messaging in relationship formation and development. The claim of this research is that text messaging can enhance one’s relationship by allowing more than one form of communication method to be used. Younger people use text messaging more often than the older generation to sustain relationships and communicate. The interpersonal relationship can be satisfying to both individuals participating in multiple forms of communication, including text messaging, which is the paper’s focus. Trust and communication are good predictors of relationship satisfaction. Self-presentation can be less realistic. Asynchronous CMC allows “the participants time to plan and edit comments more mindfully. (McQuillen 620). In order to determine the outcome to the proposed claims, questionnaire methodology and analysis was integrated with textual analysis. The results lean towards a self-presentation that is less than accurate; there will be little difference in the maintaining of the relationship, whether it is by FtF communication or text messaging (CMC); presence is not a factor in the relationship; trust allows the relationship to progress; communication within the relationship can be positive. These possible findings suggest that text messaging can be used to satisfy relationship needs for both parties; text messaging can impact relationship communication to bring about closeness. Keywords: text messaging, mobile phone, interpersonal, relationships, communication

Andrade 2 Introduction This study explores the use of mobile phones which are helping people communicate faster and are convenient for conversations that are quick, and can also be in-depth. It analyzes how new and existing relationships can be maintained through CMC, particularly text messaging, and the overall view that individuals have of this method of communication. With the introduction of text messaging, it is redefining the way that people, especially youths, develop and maintain relationships. Technology in today’s world is helping users interact and communicate with more ease. Many people are beginning to ask the question, how are new technologies playing a part in the interpersonal relationship? The focus of this paper will be on text messaging on a mobile phone to assist in the development and preserving of interpersonal relationships. The use of mobile phones is increasing communication between friends, family members, and workers. Along with this form of communication comes text messaging. Text messaging is a short message that is sent through mobile networks between senders and receivers. The messages are usually restricted to a certain length that has been put into place by the mobile phone carrier service. People tend to choose to communicate through text messages because of the “asynchronous communication of text messaging means that both parties are not required to be present for contact to occur” (Ishii 2006). This means that both sender and receiver are able to be discrete about communicating with one another and do not have to be in close proximity. There are also skeptics about text messaging. Victoria Carrington (2005) discusses that, “There is a very strong representation of Standard English as under attack from txting and the ‘addicts’ who use it.” According to CellSigns, “As of December

Andrade 3 2006, over 18.5 billion text messages are sent every month – and that number has grown by 250% each year for the last two years” (“Text message statistics”). This phenomenon isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Text messaging can have its benefits such as increasing communication between people, and shortening conversation time and negatives include poor use of Standard English, social skills being diminished, and lower amounts of face-to-face communication, but the latter can be taken into consideration as both a positive and a negative attribute.

Literature Review Scholars have looked at different forms of communication. Some of these studies have focused particularly on relationships and usage of CMC. More people than ever before are communicating through text messages and connecting with each other. This study will analyze the ways that people develop and maintain relationships using communication aided by mobile phones with the concentration on text messaging. The literature that has been written up to this point has revealing results from studies completed. For many of the scholars, communication is a main component for establishing and maintaining relationships. This particular study is important because text messaging is a relatively new form of communication. Today’s youth are exploring the advantages of text messaging in their daily lives and for relationships. Many scholars have not fully explored the fad and how it relates to interpersonal relationship formation and preserving. Jeffrey S. McQuillen (2003) performed a study that broadly looked at how technology influences the formation of interpersonal relationships. He concluded that “CMC may serve as a tool…in the development of interpersonal relationships,” but

Andrade 4 there will be a vast difference in the relationship structure as compared to one developed using Ftf communication (p. 622). The younger generation relies on CMC to maintain relationships. Bryant, Sanders-Jackson, and Smallwood (2006) found that CMC helps improve relationships with friends, according to respondents of the survey conducted (580). The researchers concluded that although the relationships formed through CMC have “less depth, [they] will provide connections that are external to the participants’ already existing social networks” (Bryant, Sanders-Jackson, and Smallwood 2006). This means that the relationships formed will lack substance, but there can be many formed to counteract this effect. Mobile phones are important because it allows people who are traveling for certain amounts of time the ability to communicate with others. Colbert and Livingstone (2006) conducted a study of college students and the frequency of talking on a mobile phone and text messaging during homeward commutes. They found that there was a large increase of mobile phone usage and text messaging during commutes that took place in vehicles other than a car (p. 438). These participants did not develop new relationships through text messaging, but they were able to maintain existing ones during commutes to and from school through the use of text messaging when physical presence was not possible. Other countries have been affected by the growing technology of mobile phones and text messaging. Ishii (2006) studied Japanese youth and mobile communication. He found that “text messaging among Japanese youth is the psychological meanings resulting from context mobility” (p. 349). He goes on to explain that avoiding conflict,

Andrade 5 but still maintaining the relationship is important to the youth. Mobile communication, text messaging in particular, serves communication needs better than a phone call or faceto face communication (Ishii 2006). Victoria Carrington (2005) conducted a study in the UK about Australians and usage of text messaging and its effects on language. She found that the older generations believe that text messaging is ruining the English language, whereas the younger generations believe that it is a useful form of expression that carries into face-to-face communication and written word. The United States is not the only country who has groups at opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to new technology and its benefits. Communication in every aspect is essential for any country. Text messaging is adding to the methods that already exist, and for many, it aids in the interpersonal relationships that are created and need to be maintained. Not only are the younger generations looking towards text messaging, there is evidence that older people are using it as well. Jordan and Comrie (2006) found that “older people are using texting more as it becomes accepted in the business world.” There are mixed feelings about text messaging in older generations, but many are engaging in the current CMC method. Younger and older generations are using text messaging to strengthen relationships and communicate using multiple methods. Computer-mediated communication is changing the way relationships are developed and satisfaction levels. A study by Traci L. Anderson and Tara M. EmmersSommer (2006) analyzed relationships that revolved around computer-mediated communication via the Internet. They did not focus on text messaging, rather, they discussed that “persons lacking other cues in CMC are likely to attend more closely to the textual messages sent by one’s partner” (Anderson & Emmers-Sommer 2006). The

Andrade 6 researchers found that the more communication that occurred within the relationship, the more intimate the relationship was perceived to be (Anderson & Emmers-Sommer 2006). Although there was a lack of physical presence and visual cues, relationships were able to be maintained for periods of time. Bryant, Sanders-Jackson, and Smallwood (2006) found that “there was no significant difference in relational intensity between friendship networks and text messaging networks, between friendship networks and IM partner networks, or between IM partner networks and text messaging networks” (p. 585). This means that although they found no large difference in the relationship intensity using various methods of CMC, the relationships were maintained effectively. All of the participants were satisfied with the interactions that took place during text messaging communication. Different forms of technology can be used to sustain relationships and trust can develop. Kim, Kim, Park, and Rice (2007) looked at the relationship formation through the use of e-mail, IM, mobile phones and SMS (text messaging). The researchers found that “mobile phone supports communication with the closest relationships” (Kim, Kim, Park, and Rice 2007). There needs to be an existing bond or relationship between two communicators in order for the sender and receiver to communicate effectively and with ease through CMC. Anderson and Emmers-Sommer (2006) conclude that trust develops over time. The more communication that is occurring, higher levels of trust will result (p. 164). Trust needs to exist in the relationship in order for it to last. Text messaging makes it difficult for trust to develop between two individuals who do not have an existing relationship. This is because the other person does not know what the intentions of the new friend is and it is hard to conceptualize his/her personality without proximity or FtF

Andrade 7 communication occurring. This means that in relationships, face-to-face is still the main form of communication (p. 1202). On the other hand, Bryant, Sanders-Jackson, and Smallwood (2006) argue that because technology is “no longer novel,” many people think that creating new relationships through CMC is not helpful (p. 586). Self-presentation and self-identity are important to look at when analyzing text messaging as a communication method. Campbell and Russo (2003) used the term “hypercoordination” to describe how people use mobile phones “as a means of selfpresentation and personal expression” (p. 320). McQuillen (2003) found in his study that “one can be closer because some form of contact (i.e., CMC) is experienced and further apart because that contact serves to create a less accurate representation of the participants and their messages” (p. 617). CMC users are able to maintain relationships, but the portrayal of the real identity of the sender and receiver is less than ideal. McQuillen (2003) found that “CMC allows the interactants more freedom to use cognitive resources as deemed necessary” (p. 621). Many people are misrepresented or represent themselves as more positive than reality allows them to be. This can be attributed to the asynchronous exchanges by means of text messaging. People communicate with friends, family, and co-workers by means of mobile phones and text messaging, along with e-mail and IM. Kim, Kim, Park, and Rice (2007) found that “SMS seems to foster relations among the nuclear family, against with some management of work relations” (p. 1203). Text messaging allows users to communicate through existing relationships. Bryant, Sanders-Jackson and Smallwood (2006) agree that “text messaging is generally utilized to strengthen the preexisting network of an individual” (p. 582). Self-identity has already been established through face-to-face (FtF)

Andrade 8 communication and SMS is a continuation of communication in the relationship. Jordan and Comrie (2006) conducted a study about ‘teledemocracy,’ which uses various methods of communication in government consultation. The researchers found that there was opposition to the usage of text messaging in government affairs. The older generation’s understanding of text messaging prevents them from using this form of communication effectively to develop and maintain relationships. Jordan and Comrie’s (2006) study draws on the existing relationship between the public and government. If the individual is unaware of how the technology works, using it to communicate with others and using it to maintain relationships are not options. The ability to edit and change messages sent through text is changing relationships maintained through CMC. Pauley and Emmers-Sommer (2007) conducted a study about the internet’s impact on primary and secondary relationship development. The researchers found that “users are careful to construct messages that coincide with the prevailing group norms, creating a level of socially desirable, partially anonymous interaction” (p. 415). This means that people are able to think about what is being written and then decide on the appropriate responses and thoughts to send. Text messaging occurs through the same route. Sender and receiver are lacking synchronous communication, so he/she can convey the personality and ideas that they feel the receiver will agree with, in order to maintain the relationship.

Research Question The literature review above shows that text messaging can be used in a variety of ways, by different people, and can help develop and maintain relationships. Along with

Andrade 9 the positives of text messaging, there are limitations and negatives. This study examines the ways that mobile phones, specifically text messaging, can expand communication methods within interpersonal relationships. I would expect to find a degree of differences in people’s perceptions and satisfaction levels of using text messaging within existing relationships. The development of new relationships can be affected by the growing technology of SMS (text messaging). Therefore, the following research question will be asked: RQ:

How has text messaging changed the way in which relationships are formed and maintained?

Method A web-based survey was given to 78 voluntary participants about their frequency of mobile phone use, along with text messaging and its effects on relationships. The researcher e-mailed the survey to members of the Bridgewater State College community and surrounding areas in the Northeast through e-mail and postings on social networking sites. Participants were asked to complete the survey to the best of their ability and as accurately as possible. Although the survey was conducted via the web, it was designed to represent a broad range of people. The survey was made available for one week. There was no specified sample size. The participants were chosen at random, based on those who responded to the inquiry to take the survey. The data was processed using Zoomerang software. The results were analyzed and data was complied according to the responses.

Andrade 10 The survey asked ten close-ended questions about mobile phone use and the participant’s opinions to a variety of questions relating to text messaging (“Do you feel that texting can accurately portray someone’s identity/personality?”) There was one open-ended question that asked what he/she would change about text messaging and the reasons why they felt it would be appropriate to do so. Participants were asked to provide brief demographic and personal mobile phone ownership and use information. The demographic information was used to group together respondents into one of two categories: 18-30 and 31-50. The sample consisted of 72 people in the 18-30 category and the remaining 6 were placed in the 31-50 category. All of the respondents were from the United States. All partial and close-out surveys were excluded from the data. The researcher analyzed the results using Zoomerang software and tallied up the responses in each question category. There were large differences in responses for numerous questions and additional comments were added by participants taking the survey. There were a few questions that allowed responses other than those outlined by the survey.

Results One survey question asked if the respondent owned a mobile phone. Out of the 78 respondents, only one individual did not own a mobile phone. Those who answered yes were then asked to give an estimate as to the frequency of usage. The majority responded that he/she used the mobile phone more than ten times daily. This may be due to the fact that 72 of the respondents were in the age bracket of 18-30 years old. As stated previously, the younger generation is more adept in the growing technology of

Andrade 11 mobile phones and text messaging. The frequency of usage of this CMC is higher in youths and those under the age of thirty because they are growing up with the technology at their fingertips, as early as childhood. The respondents added that they mostly use mobile phones for text messaging. Responses to the question about whether or not they believed that trust could be gained through text messaging resulted in 54 people saying trust could not be gained. This agrees with previous studies conducted that have said trust takes time and intimacy needs to occur, and it is difficult to take place without FtF communication (McQuillen 2003; Anderson and Emmers-Sommer 2006). Trust needs to be earned. When asked about how accurate one’s identity could be displayed through text messages, 60 people said that they believed it could not be portrayed accurately. Self-identity displayed through text messaging can be molded to fit the individual’s needs and wants. People can create an image of themselves that is far from their true self and this can mislead others who have relationships with this person through SMS. When asked what the participant’s preferred method of communication was, 43 respondents replied with face-to-face communication (FtF), followed by 37 people preferring mobile phones and 33 respondents answered text messages. The respondents who answered mobile phone and text messaging as the preferred method of communication can be coupled together because text messaging needs to take place through the use of mobile phones. Mobile phone communication can be easier when traveling, not in close proximity, or when the individual is unable to communicate otherwise. Many people today use all of the growing technologies, but face-to-face communication allows individuals to get an accurate picture of a personality. It can be

Andrade 12 concluded that most of the survey respondents believe that face-to-face communication is the acceptable form of communication of today’s society. The development of interpersonal relationships through text messaging was the main focus of the survey. One question asked if the participant believed that text messaging was impersonal and an inappropriate way to communicate with people who he/she has a close relationship with. Sixty-five people responded that they felt that text messaging was impersonal and many people wrote in as an additional response to the question, that it is hard to convey feelings and emotions through text messaging because of the lack of aural and visual cues for both sender and receiver. In order to maintain an interpersonal relationship, both individuals need to have an understanding of the other’s personality and self. Text messaging can be seen as impersonal because the sender and the receiver do not have proximity helping them figure out what message the other person is trying to convey. For many respondents, the question about if they could have an interpersonal relationship with someone by only using text messaging resulted in a vast difference between responses. Sixty-four people replied that they could not have an interpersonal relationship by way of text messaging only because it makes it difficult for relationship satisfaction to occur when there are no cues available. The sender and the receiver are unable to accurately see how the other person is conveying their personality and his/her emotions. This makes it difficult for those in the relationship to keep the bond strong and lasting. Face-to-face communication remains the method of forming and maintaining interpersonal relationships for all generations. The physical connection of an interpersonal relationship cannot exist through text messaging alone.

Andrade 13 An open-ended question at the end of the survey asked respondents what he/she would change about text messaging. The majority of people felt that it (SMS/text messaging) should be able to convey emotions and expressions, similar to face-to-face communication. For this to be possible, visual cues need to exist. If this is the case, text messaging will be transformed into another form of face-to-face communication because sender and receiver will essentially be face to face, through mobile phone-generated images. This will defeat the purpose of quick messaging and communication for people who are unable to be FtF. On the other hand, many respondents wrote in that text messaging was developed and should be used as only a supplement to FtF communication, where face-to-face (FtF) remains the main form of communication in relationships. This question showed that people are still looking for visual cues in order to develop and maintain relationships. CMC will not replace face-to-face communication anytime soon because people need to be aware of the people that they are communicating with.

Discussion The purpose of this study was to determine how text messaging has changed the way that relationships are formed and maintained. Specifically, it looked at what participants who use SMS (text messaging) felt about its usage and its influence on interpersonal relationships. I was interested in seeing how this growing technological phenomenon was influencing today’s youth and older generations. The following section addressed the results of this research, limitations, and suggestions for future research.

Andrade 14 The results of the study found that relationships cannot be solely maintained through mobile phone, specifically text messaging. Face-to-face communication is the most appropriate method of communication when trying to form relationships. Trust and self-identity are difficult to access through text messaging because physical presence is not a factor in the communication. Maintaining existing relationships is possible through the use of text messaging because communication can occur virtually anywhere that the sender and receiver have reception. The majority of respondents agree that interpersonal relationships can benefit from text messaging, but other methods needs to be used in conjunction. Many of the respondents believe that text messaging can supplement communication within a relationship but it is not capable of showing emotions and cues that are essential for the relationship to last. A relationship cannot be built on words only. There needs to be a physical and/or emotional connection that occurs between the two individuals. Text messaging was created as a quick form of communication and many users understand the concept and agree with the way text messaging should be used in daily life. One of the limitations of this study is the small number of respondents. In order to make this study more generalized, there needs to be a larger sample size used. The data that has been complied can relate to other groups; however, the results may correlate to people in this part of the country, particularly the Northeast of the United States in the 18-30 age bracket. Most of the respondents to the survey are in the field of Communication Studies. This could be a factor in the way the results turned out.

Andrade 15 For future research, more questions need to be incorporated into the survey that was used for this study. Respondents should be picked according to a set model of characteristics, such as different locations across the country, those outside of a college environment, and a broader age range. There needs to be an in-depth look into the technological aspect of relationship formation outside of text messaging. There are many new forms of communication that people are using each day. The impact that this has on relationships can be coupled with the respondent’s relationships outside of CMC, such as relationships using only FtF communication. With some effort, interpersonal relationships can take on a new meaning as technology is rapidly expanding and changing and younger generations are becoming more involved in the usage of such technologies.

Andrade 16 Works Cited Anderson, T., & Emmers-Sommer, T. (2006). Predictors of relationship satisfaction in online romantic relationships. Communication Studies, 57(2), 153172. Bryant, J.A., Sanders-Jackson, A., Smallwood, A.M.K. (2006). IMing, text messaging, and adolescent social networks. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 11(2), 577-592 Campbell, S.W., Russo, T.C. (2003). The social construction of mobile telephony: An application of the social influence model to perceptions and uses of mobile phones within personal communication networks. Communication Monographs, 70(4), 317-334. Carrington, V. (2005, June). Txting: the end of civilization (again)? Cambridge Journal of Education, 35(2), 161-175. Ishii, K. (2006). Implications of mobility: the uses of personal communication media in everyday life. Journal of Communication, 56(2), 346-365. Jordan, A. and Comrie, M. (2006). Txt sux? Texting and other forms of communication in local government consultation. The Communication Journal of New Zealand, 7(1), 1-20. Kim, H., Kim, G., Park, H., & Rice, R. (2007). Configurations of relationships in different media: FtF, email, instant messenger, mobile phone, and SMS. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 12(4), 1183-1207. McQuillen, J. (2003). The influence of technology on the initiation of interpersonal relationships. Education, 123(3), 616.

Andrade 17 Pauley, P.M., Emmers-Sommer, T.M. (2007). The impact of internet technologies on primary and secondary romantic relationship development. Communication Studies, 58(4), 411-427. “Text message statistics.” Cell Signs. .