Mobiles in Interpersonal Communication: Smartphones Serve as Intrasexual Signals

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session II
  In Interactive Paper Session: Communication and Technology Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

This research investigated the signaling function of mobiles in interpersonal communication from an evolutionary perspective. By applying the parental investment theory and the handicap principle, two studies examined smartphones as a sexual signal in same-sex competition. Experiment one (N=183 men) revealed that men perceived a male rival depicted as the owner of a conspicuous high-status smartphone as more inclined toward short-term mating, while they rated a male rival depicted as the owner of an in-conspicuous low-status smartphone as a more desirable long-term mate from a female perspective. Experiment two (N=395 women) showed that women judged a more attractive female rival as a more desirable short-term mate from a male perspective and as rather inclined toward short-term mating, regardless of her smartphone. These results contribute to a deeper understanding as to why individuals select media and communication technologies in interpersonal communication that goes beyond the classic approaches in media psychology.

Author

• Christine Hennighausen, Media Psychology, University of Wuerzburg