Interaction Speed as Nonverbal Cues in Text Messaging via Smartphone

Abstract

In text messaging with mobile phones and smartphones, many users face pressure to rapidly reply. Despite the increasing importance of mobile text-messaging, few studies have examined reply speed. This article focused on the speed of interaction in text messaging via smart phone applications (especially those with read receipt functions). It was suggested that the speed of exchange and read receipt status can serve as operable nonverbal cues to the sender of the message. Toward the aim of effective communication via text messaging using smartphones, we propose future directions in examining the strategic use of speed of interaction and read receipts.