The Role of Text Messaging and Instant Messaging in the Mediation and Management of Peer-To-Peer Friendships. (Paperback)

Twelve ninth grade students were surveyed on use of electronic communication with friends. Six students participated in a focused discussion on how electronic communication helps to maintain adolescent friendships. Responses indicated a desire to use electronic communication because it was easy to communicate, privacy could be maintained, and adolescents were more comfortable disclosing information with one another. Findings discovered within the study included communication opportunities and ease among adolescent friends, electronic communication and friendship comfort levels, and misunderstandings and mixed messages that might hinder friendship maintenance. Another finding demonstrated overall desires to see friends face-to-face. These study's findings indicate a growing trend of maintaining and managing friendships electronically as well as in-person. Some study implications included low sample size as well as the lack of other populations. With a larger sample size, additional study sites, and a greater mix of gender and socioeconomic statuses, results might have been very different.