Anonymity, Group Size, and Proximity

In CMC groups, participation and communication are key for the group's success. The book provides examples for ways that CMC can be successful. In relation to anonymity, when certain people have the chance to be determined as "anonymous", they feel better connected and do not feel like they're being judged. For example, online support groups provide the option of being known as anonymous. Distressed people that want help tend to give more input upon their situation if their names are not shown. Another way that CMC can excel is through the group size. When there are more people involved within the group, the number of ideas expands. With that being said, there is more group involvement because it is easier to exchange information through CMC. Another factor that can help the success of CMC is proximity. The closer the members within the group are physically situated, the more they will feel the need to conform to social norms. This causes members to be more conscious of their personal-social identities. For a group to succeed, having an anonymous option, larger size, and expanded proximity all help towards reaching their goal.