Problem-focused discussions in digital contexts: The impact of information and communication technologies on conversational processes and experiences

To understand the effects of information and communication technologies (ICTs; e.g., texting, instant messaging) on conversational processes and socioemotional well-being, researchers have often relied on experimental designs in which unfamiliar adults engage in relatively superficial conversations. This paradigm limits our understanding of ICTs, as individuals rely primarily on ICTs to converse with close others, in more intimate discussions. To address this limitation, this study examines the use of ICTs by friends engaging in problem-focused discussions. Fifty-three female friend pairs engaged in problem-focused discussions in an ICT-mediated or face-to-face context. Observers rated the degree to which individuals exchanged information, dwelled on negative affect, rehashed problems, and speculated about problems. Participants provided ratings of perceived self-expression, similarity, self-disclosure, positive and negative affect and closeness with the friend. Participants in the ICTs condition reported less positive affect after the conversation than those in the face-to-face condition. Although participants interacting through ICTs exchanged less information, rehashed problems less, and reported lower levels of perceived self-expression, they experienced higher levels of perceived similarity and self-disclosure. Discussing problems through an ICT was indirectly related to dampened closeness through observed information exchanged and enhanced closeness through perceived similarity. Implications for the study of ICTs are discussed.