Mobile (Self-)Socialization: The Role of Mobile Media and Communication in Autonomy and Relationship Development in Adolescence. Issue 6 (2nd November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schnauber-Stockmann, Anna; Weber, Mathias; Reinecke, Leonard; Schemer, Christian; Müller, Kai; Beutel, Manfred; Stark, Birgit
• Is Part Of: Mass communication & society. Volume 24:Issue 6(2021)
• Page Start: 867
• Page End: 891
• Publication Date: 2021-11-02
• Subjects: Mass media -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Mass media and culture -- Periodicals; Communication -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Communication and culture -- Periodicals; Journalism -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Médias -- Aspect social -- Périodiques; Médias et culture -- Périodiques; Communication -- Aspect social -- Périodiques; Communication et culture -- Périodiques; Presse -- Aspect social -- Périodiques; Communication and culture; Communication -- Social aspects; Journalism -- Social aspects; Mass media and culture; Mass media -- Social aspects; Periodicals; 302.23
• DOI: 10.1080/15205436.2021.1964538
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1520-5436

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Two of the most important developmental tasks in adolescence are developing autonomy and establishing relationships (i.e., friendships and romantic relationships). Self-socialization processes are relevant in mastering these developmental tasks. Mobile media are predestined as tools for such self-socialization: Their affordances—universality, private accessibility, and ubiquity—closely match the developmental needs of adolescents and no other media device is so deeply embedded in adolescents' daily lives. The present paper proposes a reciprocal relationship between mobile media and communication and mastery of developmental tasks. The results of a three-wave panel study ( N = 503) point to a marginal role of mobile media and communication in developing autonomy and establishing relationships. Still, results suggest that developmental achievements enable adolescents to make sensible use of mobile media and communication in response to their current developmental stage.