The moderating role of communication contexts: How do media synchronicity and behavioral characteristics of mobile messenger applications affect social intimacy and fatigue?

Abstract

Mobile messenger applications have become part of our daily life because smartphones represent our primary communication devices. People use messaging applications to communicate with friends more frequently than telephone calls. In addition, mobile messaging is also used for business communication. Based on media and behavioral characteristics, which affect social intimacy and fatigue, this study investigates why people communicate using mobile messaging. Based on media and communication theories, we compare and analyze phenomena associated with mobile messaging usage relative to the personal and business use contexts. We expect the results of this study will contribute to better understanding of mobile message communication in diverse environments.