Previous studies have shown mixed results regarding families’ cell phone use and family outcomes. Some research has shown that mobile devices might isolate family members, but families in other studies report higher levels of closeness because they can reach one another more often. This study looks at parents’ and adolescents’ motivations for mobile communication as mediators of the link between cell phone use and relational closeness. We analyzed data from 504 parent–child dyads regarding the frequency of and reasons for their mobile communication, as well as their perceptions of closeness to one another. Our results indicate that relation-centric uses of mobile devices (e.g., expressing support, handling conflict) are predictive of feelings of closeness. On the other hand, more functional uses (e.g., coordinating schedules, sharing content) do not predict closeness. These findings are discussed within the context of family life cycle positions and adolescent development.
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