Text Messaging as a Tool in Dealing with Roommate Conflicts

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Roommate conflict can be described as incompatible differences between two or more unrelated people sharing a living space where the needs of each are either met or obstructed by the other (Knapp, Putnam & Davis, 1988). Roommate conflicts can be dealt with in many ways depending on the issue and the closeness of the relationship of the individuals. Some of these ways are through face-to-face communication and text messaging.
The use of cell phones (text messaging) is a source of conflict and rule making in relationships (Duran, Kelly & Rotaru, 2011). The use of text messaging depends on the interpersonal relationship between the sender and receiver. Proper use of text messaging involves the ability of an individual to overcome the limitations and their personal construction and understanding of the nature of the message. The interpretations and assumptions an individual makes about the outcomes of the message also contribute to the understanding of the message. These different interpretations of the messages consist of the Attribution Theory, Errors in Interpretation, and Ineffective interpretation.
The way individuals use text depends on how they would like their “face” to be perceived (Anselmo, 2013). Face perception plays a big role in whether or not roommates use text messaging as a tool for conflict resolution. Knowing that the visual anonymity of computer-mediated communication may reduce face threat and makes individuals more likely to disclose information to others, individuals may feel more comfortable expressing their emotions through computer-mediated communication during a conflict (Joinson, 2011).
The level of face perception a person wants to obtain depends on the conflict management and resolution strategies th...

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...e in computer-mediated communication: The role of self- awareness and visual anonymity. European Journal of Social Psychology, 31(2), 177-192. doi: 10.1002/ejsp.36

Knapp, M. L., Putnam, L. L., & Davis, L. J. (1988). Measuring interpersonal conflict in organizations: Where do we go from here? Management Communication Quarterly, 1(3), 414-429. doi: 10.1177/0893318988001003008

Ocana, A., & Hindman, D. (2004). Unacquainted Roommates, Conflict Style, and Relational Outcomes. Conference Papers -- International Communication Association, 1(1), 1-26.

Pardo, J. S., Gibbons, R., Suppes, A., & Krauss, R. M. (2011). Phonetic convergence in college roommates. Journal of Phonetics, 40(1),190-197. doi:10.1016/j.wocn.2011.10.001

Sillars, A. L. (1980). Attributions and communication in roommate conflicts. Communication Monographs, 47(3),180-200. doi:10.1080/03637758009376031

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