Attribution and reputation estimation errors among mobile phone users regarding neglecting messages in computer-mediated communications

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that prolonged use of mobile phones can have negative effects such as lower academic performance. In the current study, we examined the factors leading to prolonged use of mobile phones from an interpersonal perspective. A scenario experiment comparing the perspectives of those who neglected others' messages with those whose messages were neglected indicated the following. First, those who neglected others’ messages overestimated the possibility that neglecting messages damaged their reputation among their peers. Second, those whose messages were neglected attributed this behavior to individual factors such as being disliked by the person who neglected them. We discuss the possibility that these misestimations could lead to longer mobile phone use.

Keywords

• Mobile phone use
• Attribution error
• Reputation
• Social mobility
• Correspondence bias