What is Beeping

Beeping (also known as “flashing”, “missed call” or “buzzing”) is a behavior associated with mobile phone users, typically in the developing world. It is a behavior that involves a user dialing the number of another user, allowing the phone to ring a few times, but quickly canceling the call before the other person can answer. Despite being a common and established mobile phone human practice, beeping has not received adequate attention from scholars as some other behaviors associated with digital technologies, such as cyberbullying, mobile phone addiction, sexting, phone-sharing, and usage while driving. This article, therefore, offers a historical and analytical overview of existing research on the use of a beeping system as a cost-reduction strategy opposed to SMS/text messaging. It provides a solid empirical basis for an informed discussion of the social uses and social effects of the practice of beeping in no-cost communication, especially in developing countries.