Mobile social networks and interpersonal communication of youth

Abstract

The study examined interpersonal communication patterns of young people focusing on their use of mobile social networks to maintain informal relationships. Social interaction diary data was gathered from young social media users (N = 40); 774 interactions were analyzed. The research shows that internet-mediated communication is a dominant form of social interaction among the young, and is more often conducted via mobile phone or smartphone. Mobile social media is a preferred way to get in touch with friends and significant others, to whom one feels strong emotional attachment. In contrast with face-to-face communication, social media is less used for informal interactions with groups.