Human Communication . A Publication of the Pacific and Asian Communication Association

The purpose of this study was to examine if and how reticent individuals utilize short message services or texting as a medium of communication. Specifically, this study sought to examine whether reticent individuals exhibit positive affect towards texting and to investigate the differences between high and low reticent individuals and the frequency of texting partners, the content of messages sent and preference for texting versus face-to-face communication. Participants (N=245) completed a four-part questionnaire consisting of general questions on texting usage, the RS-12, a shortened version of the Reticence Scale (Keaten, Kelly, 2000); the Content Frequency Scale and The Content Preference Scale, for texting and face-to-face communication; and Affect for Communication Channel Scale (ACCS; Kelly& Keaten, 2007) to measure affect for texting within the three dimensions. Results show that reticent individuals have positive affect for texting and do not text any less than non-reticent individuals to friends, family and casual acquaintances. These groups do differ on frequency of messages sent to romantic partners with high reticent participants sending fewer text messages. High and low reticent individuals do not differ in the frequency or preference for texting across the content dimensions. The results of this study also suggest the types of messages participants sent. Michelle O’Connell 89 Reticent individuals (Keaten & Kelly, 2000; Phillips, 1968, 1984, 1997) have fears of face-to-face communication, but new technologies are providing alternative channels of communication. Reticent individuals may prefer to use mediated channels such as e-mail, chat, instant messaging, and perhaps even short message services (SMS) or texting, a feature now offered by most mobile phones. The use of mobile phones today is so widespread that the majority of Americans own one and utilize it to maintain relationships. As of September 2006, there were “219.4 million cell phone subscribers or 72% of the population in the United States” (Wirefly Corporation, 2007). The mobile phone’s text messaging feature may have similar appeal to those individuals who fear face-to-face communication. Although users may be more likely to text someone they know; friends, family, and romantic partners, there is still a potential for some relationships to generate a degree of fear or anxiety about communicating. As new mobile phone technology is continuously emerging, it is imperative to understand the impact this evolving technology has on those with communication anxiety problems. Research has not addressed the utilization of text messages by reticent individuals. Because text messages are similar in some respects to other forms of computer-mediated communication in that both are text-based, reticent individuals may prefer them to the voice calling feature. This study was designed to begin to address this issue. Review of Relevant Literature There are people who are apprehensive about communication. Keaten and Kelly (2000) defined reticence as occurring “when people avoid communication because they believe it is better to remain silent than to risk appearing foolish” (p. 168). Reticent individuals tend to withdraw from social experiences and interactions because they prefer to remain silent (Keaten & Kelly, 2000). These individuals truly believe that they are unable to succeed at communication because they have a fear of negative evaluation and thus they avoid or feel anxious in many social situations (Keaten & Kelly, 2000). By avoiding communication, reticent individuals often have fewer opportunities to practice and develop their skills (Keaten & Kelly, 2000). “Where reticent individuals differ most meaningfully from others is in their excessive worry about the potential for negative outcomes when communicating, especially the possibility of appearing foolish” (Keaten, Kelly, & Finch, 2000, p. 144). The reticence construct was deemed most appropriate for the present study because much of the research focusing on communication anxiety and computer-mediated communication was conducted with reticence as the focal construct. Kelly, Keaten and colleagues have an established line of research on reticence and computer-mediated communication (CMC), which is the foundation for this research project. Previous research has suggested that individuals who experience communication anxiety problems exhibit a preference for mediated channels of communication. A number of studies have examined reticence, and the usage of CMC. Individuals who tended to exhibit positive affect towards mediated communication were more likely to use it as a way of communicating (Kelly & Keaten, 2007). Overall, studies have suggested that a mediated channel is preferred because of the ability to edit messages and control the flow of the interactions which reduces the anxiety felt by these individuals. One line of research has suggested that the use of computer-mediated communication by communicatively anxious individuals provided a more comfortable environment. This comfort results in a positive impact on their communication skills. One study, by Kelly, Duran, and Zolten (2001) looked at the use of e-mail by reticent students to communicate with their professors, and suggested a preference for the use of email to communicate with their professors because they perceived it to be more comfortable than face-to-face interactions with them. Reticence and Text Messaging 90 Several researchers have also examined mediated channels and their impact on fear of negative evaluation. One study conducted by Keaten and Kelly (in press) suggested that fear of negative evaluation by communicatively anxious individuals was related to a more positive affect for mediated channels. Several studies have also examined a preference for mediated channels by individuals with communication anxiety because of the ability to carefully construct and edit the message which reduces feelings of anxiety. A Kelly and Keaten (2007) study examined Affect for Communication Channels (ACCS) through three dimensions; Increased Preparation and Control, (IPC) ( with e-mail), Enhanced Meaning and Emotion (EME) (with face-to-face), and Reduced Anxiety and Inhibition (RAI) (with e-mail). “The IPC dimension is composed of items that indicated positive affect for e-mail because it provides greater time to think and prepare” (Kelly & Keaten, 2007, p. 357). The EME dimension “reflects positive affect for face-to-face communication because it is perceived as fostering a more meaningful connection between people” (Kelly & Keaten, 2007, p. 357). The RAI dimension “taps into positive affect for e-mail because it makes the communicator feel less nervous and inhibited” (Kelly & Keaten, 2007, p. 357). Another study by Kelly, Keaten, Hazel, and Williams (2007) looked at reticence and the mediated channel of instant messaging, and suggested that reticent individuals perceived instant messaging as reducing anxiety because it provided opportunities to prepare and control communication and not respond immediately. A final study conducted by Kelly, Keaten, and Finch (2004) examined reticent students’ preferred channels of communication for interaction with faculty, and suggested that reticent students preferred e-mail over face-to-face interactions with a professor. Another channel of communication that provides an alternative for reticent individuals is the mobile phone. “About 51% of American adults, or 143 million people, have cell phones, compared with 20% in 1997” (Jackson, 2005, p. 141). The mobile phone allows adolescents to organize their social life and activities which enriches their social experience (Ling, 2005). The majority of children who own a mobile phone are around the age of twelve (Mandell & Muncer, 2004). Doubling since 1999, nearly 40% of children ages 12 to 19 have cell phones (Jackson, 2005). According to Ling (2004) “the mobile phone shows that they are accessible and in demand. ” (p. 103). Adolescents interact with other friends at a convenient time (Ling, 2005). A 2006 study by a research firm suggested that “if trends continue, more than 50 percent of the ‘tween’ population (8 to 12-year-olds) will be using a cell phone by 2010” (Hunter, 2007, p. 1). Because of the extensive use of the mobile phone, reticent individuals may be just as likely as non-reticent individuals to own one and perhaps utilize the texting feature also. Text messages, a feature offered on most mobile phones, have become extremely popular, with the first message sent in 1993 (Goggin, 2006). The average number of text messages sent on a daily basis doubled between 1998 and 2003 (Ling, 2004). On average across the world, there are more than 335,000 messages sent every hour (Ling, 2004). A text message may be sent to coordinate activities, send a simple greeting, ask questions, etc. (Ling, Julsrud, &Yttri, 2005). A text message is a way to exchange information and to strengthen the social bonds between parties (Johnsen, 2003). A text message may be up to 160 characters in length and may contain abbreviations of common words and emoticons or smiles that may imitate facial expressions. “Due to the relatively limited form of the text message, it is possible to keep up the contact without ‘investing’ too much time and effort” (Johnsen, 2003, p. 165). Mandell and Muncer (2005) indicate that texting may be a popular mediated channel of communication for adolescents because it reduces the social risks. According to Ling (2004) the Michelle O’Connell 91 teen can carefully edit the message before sending it rather than fluster through an awkward telephone call. Since it is a mediated channel of communication, it often allows users to express themselves in a variety of ways without the fear or threat of negative evaluations from others. “Incompetent speakers may have trouble managing their own personal relationships. We establish and maintain relationships w