The Role of Technology Domestication on Texting While Driving

Abstract

Texting while driving has been researched from numerous disciplines including psychology and safety. This current study examines texting while driving through the lens of technology studies. Rather than look at the behavior and its effect on task performance, the technology of the cell phone and its relationship with the owner is explored. While youth is often associated with texting while driving, this study found that age was not significantly different between those who text while driving and those who don't. Using the domestication approach that was developed in technology studies, our research finds that earlier domestication of a technology (cell phone) affects the behavior of the user when they attempt to use another technology. Drivers who text while driving adopted the cell phone technology younger and often before the age of 16, the traditional age to begin driving. This research highlights the role of technology domestication in task behavior.