Reflection 6: What is Computer Mediated Communication?

CMC or Computer Mediated Communication is defined as any communicative transaction that occurs through the use of two or more networked computers. While the term has traditionally referred to those communications that occur via computer-mediated formats (e.g., instant messages, e-mails, chat rooms), it has also been applied to other forms of text-based interaction such as text messaging.

CMC can be divided into synchronous and asynchronous modes. In synchronous communications all participants are online at the same time (e.g. IRC), while asynchronous communications occurs with time constraints. (e.g. email). People choose asynchronous communication like email for delayed, controlled and longer messages. They also prefer email for negative emotion as they are distant from the receiver ("shielding" effect). On the other hand, people prefer synchronous communication like IM for immediate good news. They also use it because they can multitask while talking.

The other side of Computer Mediated Communication.

Social networking within communities can have a profound effect on the way our lives play out. There will be evidence shown that adolescents’ interacting on social networks can lead to negative and unrestrained behavior in online communities which impacts their future and communities in a harmful way. The effect of social networks impacting communities globally has become apparent in the last 10 years as social networks begin, expand and in some cases end. Exploring the social world online has led to many adolescents exhibiting uncontrolled and unscrupulous online behavior. The increase in inappropriate disclosure of personal information and content on social networking sites has highlighted the need for conscientious parental guidance and adolescent awareness of the long term effects of online communications. Statistics from a range of sources suggest social networking among teenagers can have a negative effect when used without caution and restraint and can undermine their future prospects.

Communications occurring via mediated communication can stimulate online self-disclosure. According to this theory of hyper-personal communication (Walther, 1996) via computer-mediated-communication (CMC), it is typically characterized by reduced visual, auditory, and contextual cues (e.g. social status cues). A consequence of these reduced cues is that CMC users become less concerned about how others perceive them and feel fewer inhibitions in disclosing intimate information (Valkenbury and Peter, 2009). Therefore, adolescents communicating online feel free to contextualize their emotions without thought to how people associated in their network will perceive it. The issue of interest brought out by this theory is information teenagers disclose in their online life, how is it affecting their face-to-face communication with peers and influencing their future.