Call for Papers:

The Role of Technology in Relational Communication
A Special Issue of Review of Communication
https://think.taylorandfrancis.com/special_issues/technology-relational-communication/

Deadline for submissions: September 28, 2025

Special Issue Editor:
Michelle T. Violanti, The University of Tennessee Knoxville

Review of Communication is dedicated to advancing the field of communication by examining research areas that are still emerging to advance our knowledge about a communication phenomenon.

The rise in telehealth, often advocated by insurance companies, has impacted provider-patient relationships at levels not seen previously. Similarly, workplaces have found ways to use technology to build and maintain relationships for their remote workers. Individuals working in isolating jobs, such as delivery drivers, use technology differently as they depend more and more on their friendships for relational connection. Finally, familial generations have turned to technology to “stay in touch,” avoid yelling across the house, or interact when together at a restaurant.

For the purposes of these submissions, technology (e.g., social media, AI to create text or oral messages, videoconferencing) serves as the tool; the focus is on how that tool is impacting relational communication, for better or for worse. Much has been published on the role of technology in romantic relationships regarding how relationships are built, maintained, and dissolved as well as what makes them more and less successful.

In this themed issue, we are specifically interested in the role of technology in other types of relationships, including:

• Civic or volunteering relationships
• Coaching or mentoring relationships
• Families
• Friendships
• Healthcare relationships
• Parasocial relationships
• Political relationships
• Spiritual or religious relationships
• Workplace relationships

Submissions for this themed issue may adopt any paradigmatic, theoretical, and methodological approach. Preference will be given to articles using data as evidence over conceptual articles.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Only full-length original articles will be considered. The limit is 9,000 words, inclusive of abstract, references, tables, and figures. All manuscripts should be submitted via the journal’s online submission system [at the URL above]. Authors should identify the themed call their paper is responding to by selecting the “Relational” drop-down option in the system.

MORE INFORMATION

See the full Call for Papers at https://think.taylorandfrancis.com/special_issues/technology-relational-communication/

Please direct all questions to Michelle Violanti (Violanti@utk.edu)