Texting in Time: Approaching time and temporalities of smartphone-based interactions

Abstract

This paper discusses the multifaceted phenomena of time and temporality in smartphone-based communication as a central dimension of communicative and social experience in mediatized and mobilized societies. Although temporal aspects have traditionally been considered in the linguistic study of digital media, there is a notable lack of research explicitly addressing temporal practices, i.e. the temporal agency, of participants in digital communication. The Swiss research project “Texting in Time” investigates these practices using screen capture videos, providing a detailed and immersive view of participants’ smartphone-based interactions. This methodological approach allows for the analysis of various processual phenomena of digitally written communication—from message construction to patterned multi-participation in simultaneous chats. The project examines these dynamics by developing a scalar view of temporalities. Large-scale analyses reveal the temporal patterns structuring everyday smartphone use during days and weeks, while small-scale analyses provide insights into the moment-to-moment organization of digital interactions within minutes and seconds. This paper, by showcasing both analytical perspectives, underscores the significance of revisiting the concept of temporality in digitally mediated interactions, offering relevant insights for advancing our understanding of contemporary mobile communication in linguistic research.