Texting,sexting, and attachment in college students’ romantic relationships

In this study, we explored how texting and sexting practices are related to attachment in college students’ (n = 744) committed romantic relationships. Participants completed a survey containing questions about their texting and sexting practices and attachment styles with relationship partners. Results showed that texting and sexting are relatively common in young adult romantic relationships, and texting and sexting are both significantly related to attachment style. However, whereas text messaging was more common among those with secure attachments (i.e., those with less attachment avoidance), sexting (both texts and pictures) was more common among those with insecure attachments, particularly those with higher attachment avoidance. Whereas anxious attachment predicted variance in sending sex text messages only, attachment avoidance contributed unique variance in sending both sex texts and pictures. This relationship was moderated by gender—avoidant men were more likely than avoidant women to send sex text and picture messages to relationship partners.     

“Sexting” and adult romantic attachment

“Sexting” refers to sending and receiving sexually suggestive images, videos, or texts on cell phones. As a means for maintaining or initiating a relationship, sexting behavior and attitudes may be understood through adult attachment theory. One hundred and twenty-eight participants (M = 22 and F = 106), aged 18-30 years, completed an online questionnaire about their adult attachment styles and sexting behavior and attitudes. Attachment anxiety predicted sending texts that solicit sexual activity for those individuals in relationships. Attachment anxiety also predicted positive attitudes towards sexting such as accepting it as normal, that it will enhance the relationship, and that partners will expect sexting. Sexting may be a novel form for expressing attachment anxiety.     

Sending and receiving text messages with sexual content: Relations with early sexual activity and borderline personality features in late adolescence

This research examined adolescents' written text messages with sexual content to investigate how sexting relates to sexual activity and borderline personality features. Participants (N = 181, 85 girls) completed a measure of borderline personality features prior to 10th grade and were subsequently given smartphones configured to capture the content of their text messages. Four days of text messaging were micro-coded for content related to sex. Following 12th grade, participants reported on their sexual activity and again completed a measure of borderline personality features. Results showed that engaging in sexting at age 16 was associated with reporting an early sexual debut, having sexual intercourse experience, having multiple sex partners, and engaging in drug use in combination with sexual activity two years later. Girls engaging in sex talk were more likely to have had sexual intercourse by age 18. Text messaging about hypothetical sex in grade 10 also predicted borderline personality features at age 18. These findings suggest that sending text messages with sexual content poses risks for adolescents. Programs to prevent risky sexual activity and to promote psychological health could be enhanced by teaching adolescents to use digital communication responsibly.     

The sending and receiving of sexually explicit cell phone photos (“Sexting”) while in high school: One college’s students’ retrospective reports

The sending and receiving of sexually explicit photographs via cell phone, sexting has received much publicity in the popular media and increasing attention in the scientific literature. The research is being fueled, in part, by the several potentially problematic psychosocial and legal consequences of sexting, particularly when the person pictured in the photograph is a minor. Despite the surveys (those published in peer-reviewed journals and elsewhere) that have been conducted, their methodological limits have left us without a clear sense of even how many male and female teens are sending, receiving, and forwarding these sexually explicit photos via cell phone. The present study surveyed over 1100 undergraduate students from a single university regarding their experience with sexting while in high school. Results revealed that over 19% of the students reported having sent nude picture of themselves to others via cell phone (i.e., sexting), over 38% reported having received such a picture from someone else, and nearly 7% admitted to having forwarded such a picture to one or more others. Sex differences regarding sexting as well as its targets and its relationship to religiosity were also explored.     

Attachment style and conflict resolution skills predicting technology use in relationship dissolution

Differences in attachment styles and conflict resolution skills may exist for those who choose to initiate or who receive relationship dissolution mediated by technology. 304 college students (F = 178, M = 126) completed an online questionnaire about their demographics, relationship status, attachment styles, and conflict resolution skills. Text messaging was the most common form of technology to initiate or receive a breakup. Greater attachment anxiety predicted being the recipient of a technology-mediated dissolution. Positive attitudes towards conflict resolution predicted having initiated a breakup via technology. There were no significant differences in attachment styles or conflict resolution skills for those using text messaging to receive or initiate conflict resolution.     

Young adults’ use of communication technology within their romantic relationships and associations with attachment style

In an online survey with two cohorts (2009 and 2011) of undergraduates in dating relationships, we examined how attachment was related to communication technology use within romantic relationships. Participants reported on their attachment style and frequency of in-person communication as well as phone, text messaging, social network site (SNS), and electronic mail usage with partners. Texting and SNS communication were more frequent in 2011 than 2009. Attachment avoidance was related to less frequent phone use and texting, and greater email usage. Electronic communication channels (phone and texting) were related to positive relationship qualities, however, once accounting for attachment, only moderated effects were found. Interactions indicated texting was linked to more positive relationships for highly avoidant (but not less avoidant) participants. Additionally, email use was linked to more conflict for highly avoidant (but not less avoidant) participants. Finally, greater use of a SNS was positively associated with intimacy/support for those higher (but not lower) on attachment anxiety. This study illustrates how attachment can help to explain why the use of specific technology-based communication channels within romantic relationships may mean different things to different people, and that certain channels may be especially relevant in meeting insecurely attached individuals’ needs.     

Exploring romantic relationships on social networking sites using the self-expansion model

Several hypotheses were derived from the self-expansion model (Aron & Aron, 1986) concerning romantic relationships and social networking sites (SNSs). A sample of 276 participants responded to questions about their relationship history and SNS uses and a subset of those (N = 149) responded to additional questions about a current romantic partner. Results suggest that past self-expansion leaves a residue shown by more interests. This finding was moderated by overall Facebook use. Particular Facebook behaviors such as tagging one’s partner in status updates, appearing together in photographs, and listing similar interests on profiles are indicative of self-expansion processes typically found in romantic relationships.     

Sext and gender: examining gender effects on sexting based on the theory of planned behaviour

The emergence and popularity of new communication tools provide opportunities for new sexual behaviours, among which is sexting. Sexting refers to sending nude or sexually suggestive pictures of oneself to another person through digital media. Extending Walrave, Heirman, and Hallam’s work [2014. “Under Pressure to Sext? Applying the Theory of Planned Behaviour to Adolescent Sexting.” Behaviour &; Information Technology 33 (1): 86–98], the present study addressed gender effects on sexting based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). We examined whether women and men differ in their attitude, subjective norm, self-efficacy, perceived control regarding sexting, and their likelihood to sext. We also tested the moderating effect of gender on the association between TPB variables and sexting. Respondents were 381 Chinese students aged 17–24 years. Mediation analysis showed that compared with women, men had higher levels of attitude, subjective norm, and self-efficacy surrounding sexting, and therefore had a stronger tendency to sext. Simple slope analysis revealed that the positive relationship between subjective norm and sexting only existed among women. Perceived control was negatively associated with sexting, and this association was stronger among men. These findings demonstrate that contemporary gender construction provides men with more facilitating factors to sexual activities and restricts women to non-desiring subjects. Although changes in sexual practices occur in the digital culture, gender inequality in sexuality persists.     

In-class multitasking and academic performance

The omnipresence of student-owned information and communication technologies (ICTs) in today’s college classrooms presents educational opportunities but can also create learning problems. Specifically, multitasking with these technologies can interfere with the learning process. Indeed, research in cognitive science shows that there are clear performance decrements when trying to attend to two tasks at the same time. This study examines the frequency with which students multitask during class using a large sample (N = 1,839) and examines the relationship between multitasking and academic performance as measured by actual overall semester grade point average (GPA). Students reported frequently text messaging during class but reported multitasking with other ICTs to a lesser extent. Furthermore, only social technologies (Facebook and text messaging) were negatively related to GPA.     

Personality and media influences on violence and depression in a cross-national sample of young adults: Data from Mexican-Americans, English and Croatians

The issue of potential media effects on psychological health of youth and young adults has been debated for decades. Research on media effects has not always been consistent. One issue that has been raised regards whether the relatively modest media effects found in some research might be explained through mediating personality variables. This hypothesis was examined in three samples of young adults: Mexican-Americans (n = 232), Croatians (n = 455) and English (n = 150). Results indicated that trait aggression was a consistent predictor of both violent crimes and depression across samples. General personality variables were less consistent predictors of violence, although neuroticism consistently predicted depression across samples. Media violence exposure did not predict negative outcomes except among Croatians for whom exposure to violent video games predicted fewer violent crimes, and exposure to television violence predicted increased violent crimes.     

Mobile phone use while cycling: Incidence and effects on behaviour and safety

The effects of mobile phone use on cycling behaviour were studied. In study 1, the prevalence of mobile phone use while cycling was assessed. In Groningen 2.2% of cyclists were observed talking on their phone and 0.6% were text messaging or entering a phone number. In study 2, accident-involved cyclists responded to a questionnaire. Only 0.5% stated that they were using their phone at the time of the accident. In study 3, participants used a phone while cycling. The content of the conversation was manipulated and participants also had to enter a text message. Data were compared with just cycling and cycling while listening to music. Telephoning coincided with reduced speed, reduced peripheral vision performance and increased risk and mental effort ratings. Text messaging had the largest negative impact on cycling performance. Higher mental workload and lower speed may account for the relatively low number of people calling involved in accidents.

Statement of Relevance: Although perhaps mainly restricted to flat countries with a large proportion of cyclists, mobile phone use while cycling has increased and may be a threat to traffic safety, similar to phone use while driving a car. In this study, the extent of the problem was assessed by observing the proportion of cyclists using mobile phones, sending questionnaires to accident-involved cyclists and an experimental study was conducted on the effects of mobile phone use while cycling.     

基于短信猫的短信自动收、发程序调试与开发应用

在科技引领时代的大潮流下,人们对各种电子产品的依赖性越来越高,对各类软件的实用性越来越看重,此次设计主要是将短信猫与普通手机中的短信功能进行对比,让使用者充分了解到我们产品的独特优势。短信猫的资费与我们平常所使用的手机是一样的,但短信猫更加专注于短信的收发应用,相对于手机而言,短信猫具有收发短信速度更快、可靠性更高、实时发送等优点。标准短信猫是短信猫硬件和软件的有机结合,其鲜明的优势在众多同类型软件中独领风骚,目前在企业短信中已经得到了广泛应用。     

From social anxiety to interpersonal connectedness: Relationship building within face-to-face,phone and instant messaging mediums

The present research examined whether social anxiety moderates the potential relationship between conversation medium and interpersonal connectedness. Hypotheses predicted that individuals with high social anxiety would demonstrate greater interpersonal connectedness following instant messaging conversations; whereas, individuals with low social anxiety would report greater interpersonal connectedness following face-to-face and phone conversations. Undergraduate participants (N = 165) were randomly assigned to one of three conversation mediums (face-to-face, phone or instant messaging) during which they engaged in an interaction with an unfamiliar partner. Participants completed a measure of social anxiety before the interaction and measures of interpersonal connectedness prior to and following the interaction. Results revealed that level of social anxiety is a significant contingent condition for the association between type of conversation medium and attitude homophily (i.e., a measure of interpersonal connectedness). For individuals with low social anxiety, scores on the attitude homophily measure were significantly lower in the instant messaging condition, compared to the face-to-face and phone conditions.     

Group-Based Mobile Messaging in Support of the Social Side of Leisure

Communication on mobile devices plays an important role in people’s use of technology for leisure, but to date this communication has largely been one-to-one. Mobile internet connectivity can support a variety of group-based messaging and media sharing scenarios. Switching to group-based messaging should enhance the social and leisure aspects of the communication, but in what ways and to what extent? An experimental system for text and photo messaging on mobile devices was tested in a research deployment to four groups of 6–8 participants who used both a group-based and one-to-one version of the system. Results highlight a significant increase in message sending, in mobile device “fun”, and in the social qualities of mobile communication when messaging group-wide, along with a few minor costs. Qualitative feedback provides further explanation of the social benefits.     

Problematic internet use,psychopathology, personality,defense and coping

Many international studies in the field of Internet use and Problematic Internet Use (PIU) have shown strong and frequent relationships with psychopathology. However, few researches have investigated the relationships between PIU and personality variables such as defense, coping and pathological traits. The aim of the present study was to explore the rate of PIU among French users and its relationships with psychopathological (depressive symptoms, self-esteem, pathological personality traits) and psychological variables (defense mechanisms and coping strategies). A sample of 786 participants, aged between 18 and 35 years old (M = 23.7; SD = 4.5) has been recruited online and completed several scales assessing PIU, time spent online, socio demographic, psychological and psychopathological variables. More than 20% of the sample had PIU. Compared to non-problematic users, they had significant higher scores of all personality disorder clusters, non-adaptive coping and depressive symptoms. Among the total sample, PIU was predicted by Clusters B and C personality traits, immature and autistic fantasy defense styles, non-adaptive coping strategies and depressive symptoms. Significant gender differences have been retrieved. Psychological and psychopathological variables, including personality traits should be further explored, and gender differences always taken into account when assessing PIU.     

Adolescents and self-taken sexual images: A review of the literature

Despite increasing public interest and concern about young people's involvement in the self-production of sexual images (or ‘sexting’), there remains a dearth of research into their reasons for making and sending images, the processes involved, and the consequences arising from their experiences. This article reviews the motivational, lifestyle and personality factors influencing adolescent sexting practices and explores the research evidence within the wider context of debates around contemporary social and visual media cultures and gender. A systematic search of databases was conducted and eighty-eight records were identified for inclusion in the review. The findings reveal that sexting is remarkably varied in terms of context, meaning and intention, with the potential for consensual and non-consensual aspects of the activity. Whilst sexting can be a means of flirting or enhancing a sexual relationship, it can highlight potential vulnerabilities to victimisation or to participation in risky sexual practices. Sexting is also inextricably linked to social expectations of gendered sexual behaviours, with females often deriving less satisfaction from their experiences and being perceived more negatively by their peers. Further research linking adolescent motivations, well-being, relationships and lifestyles with the broader socio-cultural and media landscape will ultimately help drive understanding about the subject forward.     

GSM-SMModem在协同教育系统中的应用

GSM-SMModem短信猫是基于无线方式进行短信收发的通信网关设备,使用该设备可以轻松地实现通过本地无线网络快速发送和接收手机短信的功能,从而达到使学校无需上网即能动态发送和接收家长的短信,在与协同教育系统的连接上,短信猫提供多种方式实现与系统的无缝动态高效连接,用户可以方便的将短消息收发功能集成到系统中,从而使得协同教育更加方便有效。     

基于电信API长短信平台的二次开发利用

随着手机的普及,越来越多的信息将会利用短信进行接收。本文利用电信API将高校学生成绩从SQL数据库中提取出来,通过调用能力平台短信接口,实现Web发送短信功能,并及时发布至其监护人的手机,达到学校和家长共同监督学生学习的目的。首先介绍电信API的基本原理及接口规范,结合实际开发需要修改API中的JSON等格式;其次利用Visual Studio 2008搭建软件平台,并与利用Microsoft SQL Server建立的数据库连接;最后,从数据库中提取信息后,利用Visual Studio 2008中的"事件"触发API短信能力接口,将信息准确地发送至目标手机中,并且对其整个流程进行测试,使其符合开发要求。     

No A 4 U: The relationship between multitasking and academic performance

The proliferation and ease of access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) such as Facebook, text messaging, and instant messaging has resulted in ICT users being presented with more real-time streaming data than ever before. Unfortunately, this has also resulted in individuals increasingly engaging in multitasking as an information management strategy. The purpose of this study was to examine how college students multitask with ICTs and to determine the impacts of this multitasking on their college grade point average (GPA). Using web survey data from a large sample of college students at one university (N = 1839), we found that students reported spending a large amount of time using ICTs on a daily basis. Students reported frequently searching for content not related to courses, using Facebook, emailing, talking on their cell phones, and texting while doing schoolwork. Hierarchical (blocked) linear regression analyses revealed that using Facebook and texting while doing schoolwork were negatively associated with overall college GPA. Engaging in Facebook use or texting while trying to complete schoolwork may tax students' capacity for cognitive processing and preclude deeper learning. Our research indicates that the type and purpose of ICT use matters in terms of the educational impacts of multitasking.