Emerging interpersonal norms of text messaging in India and the United States

Robert Shuter, Sumana Chattopadhyay

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study examines whether there are emerging interpersonal norms of text messaging- an etiquette ("textiquette") of texting-that guide its use in India and the United States. One hundred and thirty-seven participants recorded multiple text messages sent and received in specially designed text logs. Each log secured data on the following dimensions: (1) the context in which a text was sent and received/read; (2) who each participant was with-and the reaction of this person(s)-when the participant sent or received/read a text message; and (3) what constitutes impolite text messaging behavior. Results reveal emerging interpersonal norms of text messaging in both countries that vary significantly across cultures on all three dimensions. Implications and limitations are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)123-147
Number of pages25
JournalJournal of Intercultural Communication Research
Volume39
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Interpersonal Norms Of Texting
  • SMS And Text Messaging In India
  • Text Messaging In U.S.
  • Text Messaging/SMS

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cultural Studies
  • Communication

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