Does Age Impact Text-Message Dependence?

ABSTRACT

Little research has examined how age impacts texting dependence, despite the increased usage of texting and other social media applications in older adults. In the present study, three age groups (18–29 years of age, n = 135; 30–49 years of age, n = 58; 50–69 years of age, n = 19) were given the Self-Perceptions of Text Messaging Dependency Scale (SPTMDS). This self-report measure examines Emotion Reaction, Excessive Use, Disruption of Relationships with text Messages and Psychological/Behavioral Symptoms Concerning Heavy Usage). Results revealed that (a) texting dependence decreased across the three age groups and (b) that this decrease occurred for all four sub-scales of the SPTMDS (all p's < .01). These results have implications for how one aspect of social media (namely texting) is used and ultimately accepted by older adults.

KEYWORDS:

• Age-related differences
• developmental issues
• social interaction