Texting, or sending and receiving text messages via a cellular phone or another mobile device, has become a ubiquitous part of modern communication. It is a form of mediated communication, defined as the transmission of messages through a medium such as a phone or a computer. This type of communication has its own psychological effects and theories that help explain how and why people use it.
One of the key psychological theories behind texting is the concept of social presence. Short, Williams originally mentioned this phrase, and Christie, in the Social Psychology of Telecommunications, 1976, defined it as “a quality of the medium itself”. So, according to them, the sense of social presence occurs in the medium instead of in the interplay between people. In other words, it refers to the degree to which people feel connected to one another when they communicate or feel a sense of togetherness. And, the higher the degree of media richness (eg. video), the higher the social presence.
In the case of texting, social presence can often be low because the medium itself lacks many of the nonverbal cues that are present in face-to-face communication. For example, when we talk to someone in person, we can see their facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. These nonverbal cues help us to understand the other person's thoughts and feelings. However, when we text someone, we cannot see these cues, which can make it difficult to understand the other person's message entirely.
One way to increase social presence in texting is by using paralanguage and emojis. Some emojis can “clarify or confuse the receiver” depending on the level of interpretation. But usually, the message gets clarified. This is similar when the texter uses emojis or nonverbal cues such as acronyms, exaggerated spelling and responds very fast. Some researchers suggest that users actually experience more intimacy when using paralanguage, acronyms etc. this overall can increase social presence.
Another psychological theory that helps to explain why people use texting is the theory of self-disclosure. This refers to the amount of personal information that people share with others. In general, people tend to disclose more personal information when they have a high level of trust and intimacy with the other person. However, when people communicate via text, the lack of nonverbal cues we present in face-to-face communication and the inherent impersonality of the medium can make it difficult for people to build trust and intimacy.
In the hyperpersonal communication model, there are four components. The senders, receivers, channel and feedback. The receivers can sometimes over-interpret messages in text communication. This ultimately leads to the receivers responding with high levels of self-disclosure. Receivers tend to try form an impression from the sender and attempt to fill in the gaps with positive interpretations when there are minimal cues.
There are many other psychological theories we can use when analysing text. Despite the challenges of texting as a form of mediated communication, it has become popular because it allows people to communicate quickly and easily. It is beneficial for people who are on the go and need more time or opportunity to engage in face-to-face conversation. It is also helpful for people who may feel anxious or uncomfortable communicating in person, as it allows them to communicate from a distance.
Overall, texting is a valuable form of mediated communication with ups and downs. While it may lack some of the nonverbal cues and intimacy of face-to-face communication, it allows people to connect quickly and easily, making it a valuable tool in today's fast-paced world.
Would you be interested in learning more? Subscribe or get in touch!