Mobile Communications vis-à-vis Teen Emancipation, Peer Group Integration and Deviance

Abstract

SMS and mobile voice telephony have become a common part of the teen experience in Norway. Almost 19 out of 20 teens own a mobile telephone. In addition, Norwegian teens are frequent users of mobile voice telephony and, in particular SMS. Access to mobile communication plays into the way teens experience emancipation from their parents, their integration into the peer group and the resulting boundary testing issues. In addition, the device plays into more illicit behaviors for a small portion of teens. This paper uses the survey data gathered from a random selection of 11 928 teens in Norwegian Statistical Research’s study Ung i Norge (Young in Norway). The data was collected in February of 2002. The data material provides one with broad insight into many facets of teen’s lives. The analysis here indicates that SMS and mobile voice telephony play into the adolescent experience in complex ways. The analysis indicates that these forms of mobile communication facilitate emancipation assist in peer group bonding, and, in a small number of cases, play into more illicit activities. There is, however a special role in terms of boundary testing behaviors that is, in many ways, an integral part of emancipation.