We’re Going Streaking!: Associations Between the Gamification of Mediated Communication and Relational Closeness

We’re Going Streaking!: Associations Between the Gamification of Mediated Communication and Relational Closeness

We’re Going Streaking!: Associations Between the Gamification of Mediated Communication and Relational Closeness

Caleb T. Carr, Sarah F. Rosaen

Abstract

"Communication technologies have long been used to develop and maintain relation- ships; but recently, channels have increasingly sought to gamify interactions among users. The present study explored if individuals’ interpersonal and entertainment use motives were associated with interpersonal interactions and message composition, as well as subsequent relational outcomes (i.e., closeness). A survey of 156 collegiate Snapchat users revealed that interpersonal and entertainment motives were significantly related to Snapchat behavior (Streak count and Streak Snaps, respectively) and relational closeness. However, those using Streaks for entertainment motives sent impersonal Snaps more frequently and reported lower relational closeness with their partner."

Reference

Carr, C. T., & Rosaen, S. F. (2024). We’re going streaking!: Associations between the gamification of mediated communication and relational closeness. Communication Reports. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08934215.2024.2334743

Keywords

Interpersonal Relationships, Relational Closeness, Snapchat