1. Computer Mediated Communication
Flemming Schneider Rhode, 21st March 2010
Computer Mediated Communication

2. What is CMC? “A process of human communication
via computers, involving people, situated in particular contexts, engaging in processes to shape media for a variety of purposes” (December, 1997)

3. Synchronous vs. Asynchronous CMC
Asynchronous Communication
People Communicating do not have the same time availability
Examples: , Blackboard
Synchronous Communication
Interaction happening in real time
Examples: IMing, NetMeeting, Skype

4. Canary et al. on Online Self Presentation (p. 175)
Poorer Channels create ambiguity
Threats to self presentation are often mediated
Hyperpersonality
CMC content is characterized by core rather than peripheral topics
CMC is assumed deliberate and purposeful
We get to know each other faster, but also more narrowly online

6. Facebook 60 Minutes Report
Career implications (Canary et al., 2006, p )
The typical user spends about 20 minutes a day on the site, and two-thirds of users log in at least once a day (Cassidy, 2006; Needham & Company, 2007).
Metaperceptions often inaccurate (Canary et al. ,2006, p. 139)

7. Online Identity Management
Individuals are recognized by (Stewart, 2009, p. 120):
Personal Markers (e.g. writing style, avatars)
Online social conduct
Contribution to the cooperative narrative
Issues of reliability and trust
Issues of anonymity
Informative Aspects (credibility and expertise of the author)
Group Pressure Aspects (Unpopular opinions vs. blind attacks)
Freedom of Speech

8. Online Identity Management
What Is an Author (Foucault)
Authorship is an idea, a not a given
Texts and discourses transition from an act to a product
Author “function”
Implications for how we see CMC such as Wikipedia, blogs, and Open Source coding