What is Intimate Stranger

Japanese mobile Internet-use is unique in that users are more dependent on mobile text messaging as compared to PC-based Internet and mobile voice communication. Previous studies show the following: (1) Age is the most important predictor for mobile text messaging. (2) Mobile text messaging is associated with strong ties in closed networks; on the other hand, some people enjoy anonymous communication with so-called “intimate strangers” in open networks. Mobile Internet use is significantly different from PC-based Internet use in terms of user motivation. (3) Cross-cultural comparison indicates that Japanese people tend to use mobile text messaging, while they are less willing to utilize mobile voice communication. (4) It has been hotly argued whether and how mobile phone use is associated with interpersonal relationships among young people. Some researchers claim that mobile phones facilitate “selective interpersonal relationship” among young people, while others investigate how mobile text messaging is related to social network characteristics.