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Exploring text messaging as a platform for peer socialization of social aggression
Justin W Vollet1, Madeleine J George2, Kaitlyn Burnell1
1School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences.
Developmental Psychology
|November 1, 2019
Summary
Exposure to peers' socially aggressive texting influences adolescent social aggression. This study found that online interactions predict changes in both text-based and in-person aggressive behaviors among teens.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Communication Studies
Background:
- Adolescent social aggression is a concern for peer relationships.
- The role of digital communication in socializing aggressive behaviors requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine if exposure to peers' socially aggressive text messaging influences adolescents' own social aggression.
- To investigate potential gender differences in this socialization process.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 221 adolescents (mean age 15.02).
- Analysis of socially aggressive content in peer text messages (sent and received).
- Teacher ratings of in-person social aggression.
Main Results:
- Exposure to peers' aggressive texting predicted increases in adolescents' text-based and in-person social aggression.
- Gender differences in aggressive texting emerged in ninth grade but not tenth.
- No significant gender differences in in-person aggression or exposure to aggressive texting.
Conclusions:
- Text messaging serves as an additional platform for the peer socialization of social aggression.
- The findings highlight the impact of digital peer interactions on adolescent behavior.
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