Computer-mediated communication involves the use of audio and video conferencing systems, blogs, e-mail, and social networking websites (Facebook and Twitter). Face-to-face communication is communicating with someone in physical proximity using vocal tone and inflection, facial expressions, hand gestures, body posture, and angle (270).
In comparison to face-to-face (FTF) groups, computer-mediated communication (CMC) gains the contribution of more unique ideas, but takes longer to reach a mutual agreement. Because CMC groups practice acquiring more input from the members, the group tends to divide participation equally. This technique allows all members of the group to engage as much as another person in the group, permitting each member's voice to be heard. For idea-generation tasks, CMC excels within FTF groups because CMC generates more ideas.
A reason why CMC members feel more accepting is due to the fact that there is reduced normative social pressure. In this case, if group members believe they don’t have to follow social guidelines, they are more inclined to provide input. For example, in my online accounting class, I am not as hesitant when asking questions on the discussion board because a lot more people can ask questions online, compared to a classroom filled with more students.
hey...i totally agree with you about how it reduces normative social pressure. i am a very sociable person, so i can fit in in either setting of classroom or CMC. I think people have a fear of being wrong or looking stupid in front of their peers. It also could be that we have a sense of comfort of being behind a screen and some sort of security. Plus, when people are behind a screen, they can take their time with a response because they aren't under the spotlight. I think that CMC kills our communication skills big time, but then again, shy people will always be shy lol
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