Where Do We Draw the Line? Exploring Mediated Communication and Work/Family Bordersá

Abstract

Finding balance between work and family has become an area of research and discussion among many disciplines, including, but not limited to, psychology, family communication, computermediated communication, interpersonal communication, and organizational communication (Barber & Santuzzi, 2015; Carvalho, Francisco, & Relvas, 2015; Golden, 2013; Kim, Kim, Kim, & Wang, 2017). Moreover, the adoption and usage of smartphones and tablets has sparked controversial issues within relationships (Storch & Ortiz Juarez-Paz, 2019; Villegas, 2013). This chapter explores mobile device (cellphone, smartphone, and/or tablet) ownership and usage, its impact on relationships, and users’ decision-making process and development of boundaries. Furthermore, this chapter extends the notions of controversial relational concepts to mobile device usage for work purposes. Specifically, how computer-mediated communication via mobile devices impacts familial communication and subsequent relationships. These overarching concepts are explored through the experiences of the Gephart family. The family faced communicative challenges as a result of decisions made regarding mobile device usage for work communication while on vacation. The case study brings to the surface communication issues within the family unit and aims to bring understanding and awareness to developing boundaries for mobile device usage for work communication.