A mixed methods examination of adolescents' reasons for pretending to text. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tulane, Sarah; Vaterlaus, J. Mitchell; Beckert, Troy E.
• Is Part Of: Journal of adolescence. Volume 69(2018)
• Page Start: 175
• Page End: 179
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: Texting -- Text messaging -- Avoidance -- Safety -- Communication -- Adolescents; Adolescent psychiatry -- Periodicals; Adolescent psychology -- Periodicals; Adolescence -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 305.23505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2018.10.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0140-1971

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: The purpose of this study was to examine reasons adolescents give for pretending to text in various social situations. Pretending to text was conceptualized as when a person uses a cellphone to make it look like they are texting, but they are not actually sending messages. Little research is available from the adolescent perspective regarding self-presentation and avoidance when using digital devices in social contexts. Methods: A convergent mixed methods approach was used to understand the experience of high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors ( n = 216) in the United States. Chi-square analyses and t- tests were used to examine differences between those who pretended to text and those who did not. Qualitative data were analyzed using van Manen's line-by-line approach. Results & conclusions: Participants indicated they pretended to text for reasons of avoidance, to maintain a positive appearance, and sometimes to provide a sense of security if they felt unsafe in a situation. This study uses self-presentation to further understand adolescent perceptions of pretending to text.