Discourse Reveal: Majority Conflict Resolution with Partners Happens Through Text Messaging in New Poll
In the digital age, a new term has emerged in Germany to describe a growing phenomenon - "Fexting." This refers to the act of conducting conflicts or arguments via text messaging, a trend that is increasingly common worldwide.
According to a recent survey, the majority of adults aged 18 to 39 in Germany have personal experience with Fexting, with 84% reporting to have engaged in it. However, the proportion decreases with age, with 67% of those aged 40 to 49, 48% of those aged 50 to 59, and 33% of those over 60 having experienced Fexting.
Communication via mobile phone presents a challenge in general, and Fexting is no exception. The survey reveals that 46% of people find it difficult to express thoughts and emotions via text message, with men finding it slightly more difficult than women (48% vs 44%).
One of the concerns about Fexting is the speed at which arguments can escalate. Of those who have argued via text message, 63% believe that arguments come up faster via text messages than in a personal conversation. This rapid escalation can lead to misunderstandings, a belief shared by almost every second person (47%) who has experienced Fexting.
The use of emojis in Fexting can be both a help and a hindrance. While 51% of people who have experienced Fexting think that emojis help to avoid conflicts, 47% believe that they can lead to misunderstandings. Interestingly, men and those aged 60 to 69 are more likely to believe that emojis can lead to misunderstandings (51% each).
The survey, conducted by the market research institute Innofact on behalf of the dating app Parship in May, also found that 56% of those who have argued via text message find it disturbing if their partner reads a message but does not respond immediately.
While the survey provides valuable insights into Fexting in Germany, it does not offer specific data on how common Fexting is among different age groups. For authoritative data, national or specialized communication and social behavior surveys in Germany, such as those from the German Youth Institute or media research bodies, would typically offer insight into digital communication patterns including Fexting. Unfortunately, the current search did not reveal these.
For those interested in exploring this topic further, guidance can be provided on where to look for such specific age-stratified data on Fexting in Germany.
The survey indicates that the use of technology, such as mobile phones and emojis, significantly impacts lifestyle choices, particularly in the arena of relationships, as shown by the increasing prevalence of Fexting among younger Germans. Misunderstandings can arise swiftly during text-based arguments due to the speed of escalation (63% agree), with a majority finding it disconcerting when messages are read but not immediately responded to (56%). However, a comprehensive analysis of Fexting among various age groups in Germany remains to be found in national or specialized communication and social behavior surveys.
