Poll Finds Majority Discuss Contentious Issues with Partners Through Text Communication
Fexting, or conflict resolution through text messaging, is a common phenomenon in Germany, particularly among younger individuals. According to a survey conducted by Innofact on behalf of the dating app Parship in May, 84% of 18-39 year-olds have engaged in such disputes via their mobile devices [1][2][3][4].
As age increases, the frequency of such experiences decreases: 67% of those aged 40-49, 48% of those aged 50-59, and only 33% of those over 60 have experienced Fexting [1][2][3].
Communicating through text is often perceived as challenging, as many find it difficult to accurately express thoughts and emotions. Nearly half (46%) of those who have experienced Fexting find this to be the case, with men (48%) slightly more likely to encounter difficulties compared to women (44%) [1][2][3].
The role of emojis in such disputes is ambiguous. Approximately 47% of those with Fexting experience believe that emojis can lead to misunderstandings, as they are often misinterpreted. This view is particularly prevalent among men and those aged 60-69 (each representing 51%) [1][2][3]. On the other hand, 51% believe that emojis help to de-escalate conflicts and prevent misunderstandings [1][2][3].
This polarized opinion suggests that emojis can both de-escalate and escalate situations, depending on interpretation and context.
The survey, which polled over 3,000 adults aged 18 to 69 in Germany, also revealed that 63% of the respondents have argued with a partner via text message [1][2][3]. Fexting is particularly common among the 18-39 age group.
Interestingly, 63% of those who have argued via text message believe that it leads to conflict faster than a face-to-face conversation [1][2][3]. Furthermore, 56% find it disturbing when their partner reads a message but does not immediately respond [1][2][3].
The phenomenon of arguing via messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram has a new German name: "Fexting". This term, which combines the words "Fight" and "Texting", highlights the growing trend of resolving relationship conflicts through digital means.
[1] Innofact survey on behalf of Parship, May 2021 [2] German Press Agency (dpa) [3] Deutsche Welle [4] Süddeutsche Zeitung
- As technology continues to permeate various aspects of our lives, it seems to have a significant impact on our relationships, with a large portion of individuals admitting to engaging in conflict resolution through text messaging, often referred to as Fexting, particularly among younger generations.
- The study further revealed that technology, in the form of emojis, can be both beneficial and problematic in navigating these disputes, as a sizable number of people perceive emojis as potential sources of misunderstandings, yet at the same time credit them for de-escalating conflicts.
