Texts and phone calls—and their absence—elicit desire, stress, and heartbreak. Aidan’s communication characterizes him as uncaring in the face of Lina’s overwhelming devotion. When Aidan texts Lina “what u into,” Lina knows this to mean: “I will fuck you right now if you can get near to where I am within the allotted time” (226). The brevity of his messages and their implicit demand that Lina should immediately make herself available to him highlights Aidan’s self-centeredness. Aidan also makes frequent demands of Lina to send him “hot pics,” and Lina obliges, buying new clothes and lingerie with him in mind. While electronic communication serves as a means of contact between the two, it is weaponized by Aidan to control and manipulate Lina. It brings pleasant sexual distraction for Aidan, but heartbreak and frustration for Lina.

Similarly, Knodel uses electronic communication to control and manipulate Maggie. Knodel explores the idea of an illicit relationship with Maggie via text. Knodel messages Maggie, “I’m a teacher and you’re a student, and we shouldn’t be talking like this” (75). Tellingly, he does not stop messaging her. Knodel carefully controls his and Maggie’s electronic communications in a way which typifies their relationship dynamic.