Description
The use of personal media technologies is rapidly increasing. One of the uses associated with media technologies is maintaining relationships. Romantic partners now have the option to send a message through computer-mediated communication (CMC) rather than wait for a face-to-face (FTF) interaction. Although the option seems viable, many individuals may not be using it, and even if they are, it may not achieve the same relational levels, such as depth or intimacy, as conventional face-to-face interaction. The present study utilized a Social Information Processing Theory (SIPT) and a Turning Points Perspective to uncover whether CMC and relational turning points had an effect on relational levels. The following hypotheses were formed to assess this relatively new phenomenon: (H1) those who primarily use CMC as opposed to FTF will report lower relational levels of intimacy, depth, trust, affection, formality, and dominance; (H2) individuals that report a greater prevalence of relational turning points negotiated through CMC will report lower levels of relational closeness; (H3) there will be a greater number of individuals who report using FTF over CMC to negotiate relational turning points. There were no significant findings for H1, but several notable differences were found once H2 was tested. Several relational levels were affected by the frequency of turning points used through CMC, which include depth, formality, and similarity. H3 was supported in that more individuals choose to use FTF over CMC to negotiate turning points. Two questions were assessed as well with RQ1 and RQ2 involving what differences, if any; exist between males and females in terms of relational levels and medium preference in negotiating turning points. A significant difference was found according to sex with more females preferring FTF communication. Significant differences were found as a result of a Chi-square analysis according to sex in terms of relational turning point negotiation with 266 females preferring FTF compared to that of 65 males, yet no differences were found in terms of relational levels.
