Grounded in Relational Maintenance Theory and recognizing the increasing reliance on digital communication technologies, this study investigated college students’ perceptions of the role of instant messaging (IM) in supporting friendship maintenance, including communication frequency, emotional closeness, trust and support, communication quality, and interpersonal interaction. Employing a descriptive quantitative design, data were gathered through a researcher-made questionnaire, which was floated online, from 93 college students aged between 20 and more than 28, representing all year levels of Information Technology and Communication from St. Paul University Quezon City (SPUQC) and Computer Science from St. Paul University San Miguel (SPUSM), and selected through purposive sampling. The questionnaire underwent face and content validation and demonstrated acceptable reliability. Findings showed that 90.32% used IM daily, suggesting that IM is integrated into respondents’ communication habits, while 73.11% perceived it as strengthening friendships, implying that IM is a go-to platform for sustaining friendships. Although respondents rated face-to-face communication higher for emotional closeness (IM=3.37, SD=0.78), IM was seen as a valuable tool for maintaining relationships, specifically in facilitating long-distance communication among friends (49.46%). In the absence of IM, 34.40% believed they would communicate less frequently, while 27.95% said they would rely more on face-to-face interaction or voice calls. These findings suggest that respondents perceive IM as an important communication technology for maintaining friendships and relational connectedness, while complementing rather than replacing in-person interaction. The study contributes to understanding how digital communication practices support friendship maintenance among college students.

Authors:
Maria Lourdes Apodaca, Saint Paul University Quezon City, Philippines
Maria Amelia Corado, Enablrs, Inc., Philippines
Marites Fontanilla, Saint Paul University Quezon City, Philippines
Marie Celestine Isaga, Saint Paul University Quezon City, Philippines

About the Presenter(s)
Ms. Maria Lourdes Apodaca is currently an Associate Professor of Communication and English at Saint Paul University Quezon City, Philippines. She is also the Publication Editor and the Program Chair of Communication.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

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