The Niches of Interpersonal Media: Relationships in Time and Space
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-31-2011
Keywords
mediated interpersonal communication, mobility, niche theory, social networks, uses and gratifications
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444811403445
Abstract
According to the theory of the niche, media must differentiate themselves along resource dimensions that allow for their survival to compete and coexist within a resource space. Within this study, contacts with personal relationships are framed as a key resource domain over which channels of interpersonal communication (interpersonal media) compete to occupy niches within the resource spaces of social networks. One hundred and forty-two college undergraduates completed a time/space diary for a randomly assigned weekday in which they recorded their contacts or ‘bundles’ with members of their personal social network. Analysis of the data shows that interpersonal media coexist because they are differentiated from each other in the contacts they allow with different relationships at different times and locations. Although evidence is found regarding heavy competition among the media under analysis, each is used in different time/space/network relationship contexts.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
No
Citation / Publisher Attribution
New Media & Society, v. 13, issue 8, p. 1265-1282
Scholar Commons Citation
Dimmick, John; Feaster, John C.; and Ramirez, Artemio Jr., "The Niches of Interpersonal Media: Relationships in Time and Space" (2011). Communication Faculty Publications. 625.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/spe_facpub/625
