Increasing use of computer-mediated communication

Description:

Computer-mediated communication refers to interactions that occur via computer-mediated formats (i.e., instant messages, e-mails, chat rooms, online games) between two or more individuals. This kind of communication is becoming ubiquitous due to the generalised use of internet and multimedia-enabled personal computers.

This kind of communication has had a broad impact in the way people form and maintain social relationships by providing new possibilities to maintain communication with people in distant places. This kind of communication has also impacted deeply the way people interact in working and educational environments by enabling new ways of collaborative work and data exchange. It also has influenced the way people make decisions by enabling remote meetings and data exchange.

More information at wikipedia [1]

Enablers:

1. Increasing use of internet [2]

2. Increasing use of digital media

3. Increasing network bandwidth [3]

4. Widespread use of voice over IP (and specifically the introduction of Skype) [4]

Inhibitors:

1. Increasing online security threats

Paradigms:

1. The use computer-mediated communication makes easier and enriches communication with people who are located at remote distances

2. The physsical presence is not any longer a requirement for holding a working meeting.

Timing:

1965: First use of e-mail

1970: UNIX offers instant messaging

1972: Development of ARPANET, predecessor of nowadays internet

1989: The Internet is opened to commercial use

1990: The world Wide Web (WWW) is created

1996: First graphical interface messaging client(ICQ)

Web Resources:

1. Association of Internet Researchers [5]

2. Cornell University CMC [6]

3. Sociolinguistics and CMC - online research group and community blog site [7]