Computer Mediated Communication

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Computer Mediated Communication

• COM 315
• Dr. John T. Morrison

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Introduction to CMC
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CMC Definition

• The study of how the intentional exchange of
  information in technology-mediated contexts
  alters human perceptions leading to altered
  behaviors
• Deals with
• Identities
• Relationships
• Communities
• Culture

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CMC Introduction

• CMC is not just technology, we examine identity,
  culture and human communication issues affected
  by technology
• We will look at CMC theories in order to
• Understand through generalization
• Recognize communication dynamics to explain,
  predict and control our communication
• We can increase communication effectiveness

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CMC Introduction

• Well examine how metaphors enable yet limit our
  understanding and use of new technologies
• We examine the effects of technology on human
  culture
• What qualifies as technology?
• Is a wheel or a shovel technology?
• We ask is communication aided by technology
  always less personal, less powerful?
• Why or why not?

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CMC Introduction

• We examine
• The technology (devices and history
• Online identity and relationship issues
• Intra-personal issues
• Affects on culture privacy, marketing,
  entertainment, sex, race, class, education
• Virtual communities
• Legal and ethical issues
• The Internet as a means of social resistance,
  challenge to traditional power structures, hate
  groups, political action

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Definition of CMC

• Consider
• We usually examine intentional human
  communication thats mediated by technology
• What does mediated mean?
• Acting through an intervening agency, or
  exhibiting indirect causation, connection, or
  relation
• Primary focus of CMC studies are Internet
  technologies
• What other technologies qualify?

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Why study CMC?

• Tremendous impact it has on how we relate to each
  other
• Affects our physical environment, interpersonal
  relationships, personal identity
• The integration of computers into our lives
• Immediate communication vs. mediated
  communication

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Immediate vs. Mediated

• Immediate communication
• Face-to-face, direct, no exterior technology
• Mediated communication
• Indirect, separated by technology paper,
  telegraph, telephone, Web site, pager, email, etc.

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Approaches

• (3) scholarly arguments concerning CMC
• CMC creates an environment hostile to
  relationships (oldest)
• CMC can sustain relationships comparably to
  face-to-face
• CMC can create a hyperpersonal context where
  those uncomfortable in other contexts can excel
  at relating (relatively new)

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Metaphors

• When encountering new concepts, we naturally use
  metaphors and analogies
• Horseless carriage early TV, radio shows
• Computer and the Web Windows Site Page
  Publish Surf Navigate etc.
• These reduce initial anxiety, but also limit
  vision
• Cyberspace
• Cyber control (steersman)
• A consensual, conceptual space over which we have
  some a degree of control

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Pillars of Intellectual Life (page 4)

• Reject simplistic either-ors
• Critique of received ideas
• Freedom with respect to those in power
• Respect for the complexity of problems

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Unit 1

• Communication is
• Dynamic meanings shift, context matters
• Transactional negotiation, simultaneous
• Multifunctional to inform, persuade, inspire,
  entertain, seek, control, seduce, etc.
• Communication is mediated by
• Psychological factors perceptions
• Social factors relationships, experiences,
  interactions
• Cultural factors myths, ideologies, practices,
  artifacts
• Technological CMC deals with communication tools

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Unit 2 Technologies for Communication

• Most important technology?
• Language
• Printing press
• Telegraph
• Telephone
• Television
• What else?
• Automobile?

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Design vs. Application

• Often, technology is used in a way never intended
  by the designers
• Phone, computer, email, etc.
• Practical to social