Text-Messaging and Its Influence on Interpersonal Relationships

Keri-Ann AndradeBridgewater 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

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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

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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

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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,

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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 face-

to 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. Emmers-

Sommer (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

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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

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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 self-

presentation 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)

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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