The Use of iMessage Tapbacks as Sequence-Closing Seconds
This study investigates iMessage Tapbacks as sequence-closing seconds, or minimal responses that fulfill conversational obligations in text-based group chats. Through conversation analysis of three group conversations, the analysis demonstrates how Tapbacks operate as efficient second pair-parts (2p...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Columbia University Libraries
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Studies in Applied Linguistics & TESOL |
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| Online Access: | https://journals.library.columbia.edu/index.php/SALT/article/view/14083 |
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| author | Leanna Rudin |
| author_facet | Leanna Rudin |
| author_sort | Leanna Rudin |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This study investigates iMessage Tapbacks as sequence-closing seconds, or minimal responses that fulfill conversational obligations in text-based group chats. Through conversation analysis of three group conversations, the analysis demonstrates how Tapbacks operate as efficient second pair-parts (2pps) in adjacency pairs: (1) likes acknowledge directives (e.g., agreeing to plans), (2) loves signal appreciation for commissives (e.g., offers), and (3) emphasize affiliates with tellings (e.g., complaints). Findings indicate that Tapbacks address interactional challenges by enabling acknowledgment without prolonging discussion, particularly in asynchronous, multi-topic chats. The study contributes to digital communication research by distinguishing Tapbacks from emojis and theorizing their role in replicating nonverbal cues (e.g., nods) while streamlining interaction. Limitations include a small, homogenous dataset; future research should examine demographic variation and contextual ambiguity in Tapback usage.
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| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-cd7987a28abb40f6acdd1dd019d1de1d |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2689-193X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | Columbia University Libraries |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Studies in Applied Linguistics & TESOL |
| spelling | doaj-art-cd7987a28abb40f6acdd1dd019d1de1d2025-08-20T03:51:08ZengColumbia University LibrariesStudies in Applied Linguistics & TESOL2689-193X2025-07-01251The Use of iMessage Tapbacks as Sequence-Closing SecondsLeanna Rudin0Teachers College, Columbia UniversityThis study investigates iMessage Tapbacks as sequence-closing seconds, or minimal responses that fulfill conversational obligations in text-based group chats. Through conversation analysis of three group conversations, the analysis demonstrates how Tapbacks operate as efficient second pair-parts (2pps) in adjacency pairs: (1) likes acknowledge directives (e.g., agreeing to plans), (2) loves signal appreciation for commissives (e.g., offers), and (3) emphasize affiliates with tellings (e.g., complaints). Findings indicate that Tapbacks address interactional challenges by enabling acknowledgment without prolonging discussion, particularly in asynchronous, multi-topic chats. The study contributes to digital communication research by distinguishing Tapbacks from emojis and theorizing their role in replicating nonverbal cues (e.g., nods) while streamlining interaction. Limitations include a small, homogenous dataset; future research should examine demographic variation and contextual ambiguity in Tapback usage. https://journals.library.columbia.edu/index.php/SALT/article/view/14083conversation analysisdigital communicationsequence organizationtapbackstext messaging |
| spellingShingle | Leanna Rudin The Use of iMessage Tapbacks as Sequence-Closing Seconds Studies in Applied Linguistics & TESOL conversation analysis digital communication sequence organization tapbacks text messaging |
| title | The Use of iMessage Tapbacks as Sequence-Closing Seconds |
| title_full | The Use of iMessage Tapbacks as Sequence-Closing Seconds |
| title_fullStr | The Use of iMessage Tapbacks as Sequence-Closing Seconds |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Use of iMessage Tapbacks as Sequence-Closing Seconds |
| title_short | The Use of iMessage Tapbacks as Sequence-Closing Seconds |
| title_sort | use of imessage tapbacks as sequence closing seconds |
| topic | conversation analysis digital communication sequence organization tapbacks text messaging |
| url | https://journals.library.columbia.edu/index.php/SALT/article/view/14083 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT leannarudin theuseofimessagetapbacksassequenceclosingseconds AT leannarudin useofimessagetapbacksassequenceclosingseconds |