The Role of Electronic Communication Technology in Adolescent Dating Violence

PROBLEM: Adolescent dating violence and electronic aggression are significant public health problems. The purpose of this study was to (a) identify ways in which technology is used in dating violence and (b) present examples of dating violence in which electronic aggression played a salient role. METHODS: The data set included the transcribed narratives of 56 young adults who had described their adolescent dating violence experiences for an on going study. FINDINGS: Eight ways in which technology is used in dating violence were identified using qualitative descriptive methods. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that electronic communication technology influences dating violence by redefining boundaries between dating partners.