A dynamic network perspective on the evolution of the use of multiple mobile instant messaging apps

ABSTRACT

Mobile instant messaging (MIM) services have emerged as digital platforms for closed and private modes of communication. The present study adopts a dynamic network approach to understanding how MIM apps are used in combination with each other. The changing patterns of cross-platform MIM use are reflected in the structural dynamics of the audience overlap network among 58 MIM apps over March 2019 to March 2021 period. The results of the separable temporal exponential random graph model indicated that the formation and persistence of audience overlap was explained by network self-organization and app reach, but not by app engagement. These effects were observed when app-level confounding factors were held constant.

KEYWORDS:

• Instant messaging
• mobile communication
• media industry
• audience overlap
• network analysis
• exponential random graph models

Acknowledgements

I am grateful to Editor Paul Schrodt and three anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments on the earlier draft of the manuscript. I also thank Northwestern’s Medill School for research support.