Transcript CMC Conceptualization

CMC Conceptualization
Spring 2002
General
The term computer-mediated communication refers to both
task-related and interpersonal communication conducted by
computer. This includes communication both to and
through a personal or a mainframe computer, and is
generally understood to include asynchronous
communication via email or through use of an electronic
bulletin board; synchronous communication such as
"chatting" or through the use of group software; and
information manipulation, retrieval and storage through
computers and electronic databases. (Ferris)
Transmission
The 'transmission and reception of
messages using computers as input,
storage, output, and routing devices'
(Paulsen, 1997).
Human Focus
Computer-Mediated Communication is a process of
human communication via computers, involving
people, situated in particular contexts, engaging in
processes to shape media for a variety of purposes.
10 Years Ago?
There seems to be, despite all the changes that we can
transparently see have occurred in levels of use and
interface design, a belief among some CMC researchers
and users that findings from CMC research undertaken
10 or more years ago can be applied unchallenged today.
Much CMC research has failed to take account of the
nature of the user group (ie who is communicating), the
interface design (ie text only, GUI, Web etc), and the type
of CMC (ie conferencing, listservs, MOOs etc) being
researched, and has suggested far wider application of the
findings than are often justified.
Questions
Are findings from a text-only interface applicable to a GUI or
web interface?
Are findings from one form of cmc (eg asynchronous computer
conferencing) applicable to another (eg moos)?
Are findings from experiments with email use by mainly male
computer science students applicable to listerv use by mainly
female qualified healthcare workers?
Are findings from cmc research conducted on a small group of
selected subject in a closed environment applicable to
communication in an open, worldwide environment?
What effects might changes over time in familiarity with CMC
systems have had on levels and types of usage?
CMC List
There are increasing numbers of forms of
CMC.
The technologies for mediating CMC are
changing rapidly.
There is increasing diversity of users and
uses.
Many forms of CMC, particularly where
interpersonal interaction is concerned, seem
to explicitly or implicitly serve multiple
purposes.
Family Resemblance
CMC, as with any form of
communication, is socially constructed.
Diverse research methods are
applicable to any form of CMC.
A search for generalizable results is
meaningless.
CMC Fast Facts
Technology and organization are
'coconstructed'
There is no simple, one-way impact from
technology to organizations
New technology is not 'automatically' adopted
Depending on actors' strategies and social
interests, it is put to selective uses.