Texting among United States young adults: An exploratory study on texting and its use within families

Abstract

The current study examines general text messaging tendencies, patterns of and reasons for texting family members, and the impact of texting on familial relationships among a young U.S. adult sample. Participants were recruited through Facebook; they then completed an online questionnaire. Data from 127 young adults (men: 38; women: 87; unidentified: 2) are analyzed and compared by gender. Findings suggest that young adults text at high rates per month. Participants generally report a prompt response to texts and their ability to honestly express feelings within these messages. Results also suggest participants text family members for a variety of reasons, such as to convey information, plan activities, and engage in general conversation. Distinct gender differences, however, are evident regarding who men and women text as well as texting's effects on familial relationships. Overall, these findings expand researchers’ understanding of texting in general and its impact within the family.

Keywords:

• Texting
• Young adults
• Family relationships
• Gender differences
• United States
• Technology

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank Martha Kruse, Ph.D., for her assistance in strengthening the manuscript.

Notes

1 Tel.: [phone]; fax: [phone].

2 Tel.: [phone]; fax: [phone].

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jennifer M. Crosswhite

Jennifer M. Crosswhite, Ph.D., CFLE is an Associate Professor in Family Studies in the Department of Family Studies and Interior Design at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. The majority of her research has focused on the parent–child relationship with specific attention to how parents impact whether a child engages in delinquency. As of late, Dr Crosswhite's research has also begun to focus more on how texting impacts familial relationships.

Denise Rice

Denise Rice obtained her Masters in Business Administration at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She is an Instructor in the Department of Family Studies and Interior Design at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Her research focus is specifically on text messaging usage and its effects on the family.

Sylvia M. Asay

Sylvia M. Asay, Ph.D., CFLE is a Professor in Family Studies and Chair of the Department of Family Studies and Interior Design at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Dr Asay has taught Marriage and Family Relationships for over 20 years. Her research focus is on family strengths and challenges around the world, specifically focused on Eastern Europe.