What to expect when you are texting
An exploration of direct mobile messaging expectations among women in developing romantic relationships
Keywords:
Mobile Messaging, Social Media, Snapchat, Relationship DevelopmentAbstract
This study qualitatively investigates expectations of direct mobile messaging (via SMS text messaging or social media messaging) established by partners in developing romantic relationships. Findings reveal direct mobile messaging with romantic partners is expected to be continuous, fast, and transparent and partners strategically utilize features of their technologies, including read receipts and Snapchat streaks, to manage these expectations. Further, violations of expectations yield explicit conversations and reminders among relational partners, and may be used intentionally to elicit particular relational outcomes. Together, findings demonstrate the importance of mediated communication expectations and extends work regarding mobile media affordances and expectancy violations theory.
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