The Significance of Written Responses as a Nonverbal Cue that Contributes to Online Young Adult Relationship Initiation

Authors

  • Emilio S Hernandez Texas Tech University
  • Narissra Maria Punyanunt-Carter Texas Tech University

Keywords:

arranged marriage, impression formation, online dating, paralanguage, and social networks

Abstract

This research study investigates the influence typed statements has on the decision-making process for adolescents when choosing to initiate communicating with an online dating match. Undergraduate students (n=247) were administered a 42-item survey, where participants replied to questions that asked if typed responses to prewritten questions influences their decision to initiate communicating with an online dating match. Results indicate typed responses did not adversely impact whether a person will initiate communicating with a match, but additional data does suggest other nonverbal cues are significant.

 

Author Biographies

Emilio S Hernandez, Texas Tech University

@theorangecircle

Narissra Maria Punyanunt-Carter, Texas Tech University

Narissra Maria Punyanunt-Carter (Ph.D., Kent State University, 2002) is an associate professor in the department of communication studies at Texas Tech University. Narissra teaches interpersonal communication, gender, nonverbal, and romantic relationships. She is a protégé of Drs. Rebecca Rubin and Alan Rubin, who are considered two of the most prolific and notable researchers in interpersonal and mass communication respectively. Dr. Punyanunt-Carter 's research interests include romantic relationships, computer-mediated communication, father-daughter communication, and mass media portrayals of romance. She is the recipient of many teaching and research awards. She is a consultant for several book publishers, such as Bedford St. Martin’s, Rowan & Littlefield, Oxford, MCGraw-Hill, and Wadsworth.

@drcarterttu 

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Published

2018-05-31

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 1 (2018): The Journal of Social Media in Society

Section

Articles