Toward a Theoretical Framework of Relational Maintenance in Computer-Mediated Communication

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam J Mason ◽  
Caleb T Carr

Abstract This article addresses the need for theoretical frameworks from which to advance the study of interpersonal relational maintenance in computer-mediated communication (CMC). We suggest one way to satisfy this need is to extend and adapt extant theories of offline relational maintenance to mediated interactions by addressing how CMC is likely integrated to sustain the underlying processes of human interaction in newer channels. Social penetration theory (SPT) is used to illustrate the process proposed. The building blocks of SPT—self-disclosure, reciprocal exchange, and the effect of environmental and situational contexts on interpersonal interactions—are still considered vital in sustaining relationships, even online. By considering how these components are affected by the idiosyncrasies of computer mediation, this work provides a path toward consistent, theoretically-driven research regarding the maintenance of relationships via CMC, and also exemplifies how scholars may forge additional avenues for such research.

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabina Misoch

This paper deals with the phenomenon of so-called (note) card stories on YouTube. Card stories can be described as self-disclosing videos or confessions, using a new frame for telling one’s own story audio-visually to the public by combining ‘old’ (hand-written messages) and ‘new’ media (video, computer mediated communication). In 2012/13, a qualitative and exploratory study with a sample of 25 card story videos on YouTube was conducted. The content and visual analysis revealed (1) that these videos are bound to a very specific frame of presentation, (2) that they deal with specific topics, and (3) that the presenter does not remain (visually) anonymous. These findings question previous research results that stressed a strong correlation between online self-disclosure and (visual) anonymity; further, the findings show that this special frame of textual confessions via video supports deep self-disclosures.


2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 210-233
Author(s):  
Nicole Ziegler ◽  
Kara Moranski ◽  
George Smith ◽  
Huy Phung

Multiple theoretical frameworks support the notion of interactional feedback as facilitative of second language (L2) development. However, research demonstrates that learners often avoid providing feedback during peer collaborative work, thus failing to take advantage of key opportunities for language learning and development. Recent studies have examined how metacognitive instruction (MI) may be used to explicitly train learners in the provision of interactional feedback, with results showing increased instances of feedback (Fujii et al., 2016) and improved L2 outcomes (e.g., Sato & Loewen, 2018; Sippel, 2019). Building on this work, this exploratory study investigated the effects of MI on intermediate L2 English learners’ (n = 26) provision of interactional features in synchronous computer-mediated communication. Using a pretest-treatment-posttest design, all learners completed three decision-consensus tasks, with learners in the treatment group receiving direct instruction on the benefits of interaction via an instructional video, a practice task, and subsequent whole-class debriefing. The control group completed the tasks without MI. Results demonstrate that learners’ provision of interactional feedback and language-related episodes increased following MI, with qualitative measures indicating learners had positive perceptions of the training and improved awareness of the potential benefits of interactional feedback in computer-mediated communication. De multiples approches théoriques soutiennent la notion de rétroaction interactionnelle comme facilitateur du développement d’une langue seconde (L2). Cependant, les recherches démontrent que les apprenants évitent souvent de présenter une rétroaction pendant le travail collaboratif entre pairs, ne profitan ainsi pas des principales possibilités d’apprentissage et de développement des langues. Des études récentes ont examiné comment l’enseignement métacognitif (EM) peut être utilisé pour former explicitement les apprenants à la rétroaction interactionnelle, les résultats montrant une augmentation des cas de rétroaction (Fujii et al., 2016) et une amélioration des résultats en L2 (par exemple, Sato & Loewen, 2018; Sippel, 2019). S’appuyant sur ces travaux, cette étude exploratoire a examiné les effets de l’EM sur l’offre de fonctions interactionnelles dans la communication synchrone par ordinateur aux apprenants d’anglais de niveau intermédiaire L2 (n = 26). En utilisant un modèle de pré-traitement-post-test, tous les apprenants ont accompli trois tâches de consensus décisionnel, les apprenants du groupe de traitement recevant des consignes directes sur les avantages de l’interaction via une vidéo pédagogique, une tâche de pratique et un compte rendu ultérieur pour toute la classe. Le groupe de contrôle a effectué les tâches sans EM. Les résultats montrent que l’apport d’une rétroaction interactionnelle et d’épisodes liés à la langue par les apprenants a augmenté après l’EM, avec des mesures qualitatives indiquant que les apprenants avaient des perceptions positives de la formation et une meilleure sensibilisation aux avantages potentiels de la rétroaction interactionnelle dans la communication par ordinateur.


Author(s):  
Grace Setyo Purwaningtyas ◽  
Pawito Pawito ◽  
Ismi Dwi Astuti Nurhaeni

Communication technology and the internet  have developed quite rapidly from time to time. The development of communication  technology and the internet has changed the way human’s communication. Human interaction is no longer limited to face-to-face meetings, but has now shifted to interaction or communication using computer and internet media which are not limited to space and time. This mediated communication is known as Computer Mediated Communication (CMC). Communication through the CMC was developed by various application  providers to facilitate internet users in communicating, one of which is through the Instagram application. Text, images and videos are included in the type of computer mediated communication (CMC) interaction. The CMC interaction is used by internet users from various circles, including millennial mothers. This research was conducted to find out how the role of CMC in developing self-potential among millennial mothers. This research is a qualitative research using semi-structured interviews as a data collection method. The findings in this study indicate that informants are selective in presenting themselves through the selection of images, videos and descriptions before uploading on the Instagram page so that they are able to display their potential.


2011 ◽  
pp. 2179-2206
Author(s):  
Kathryn Greene ◽  
Kate Magsamen-Conrad

Use of mediated channels of communication, such as email and instant messenger, is rapidly increasing, especially with adolescents and college-aged populations. This increase may alter interpersonal relationship maintenance strategies and communication patterns. The role of mediated channels of communication in some types of relationship initiation is well documented however, research investigating use within existing relationships is more limited. Self-disclosure is an important part of relationship maintenance, both in the initial stages of development as well as in existing relationships. This chapter explores motivations for disclosure through computer mediated communication (CMC) in pre-existing relationships and describes theoretical perspectives to advance examination of this area. Examples presented indicate four primary motivations for disclose through computer mediated communication: self, other, relationship, and situational/environmental. Further, we propose several codes within each primary reason, many of which diverged from traditional motivations for FtF disclosure. Implications and future directions for interpersonal CMC research are discussed.


Author(s):  
Kathryn Greene ◽  
Kate Magsamen-Conrad

Use of mediated channels of communication, such as email and instant messenger, is rapidly increasing, especially with adolescents and college-aged populations. This increase may alter interpersonal relationship maintenance strategies and communication patterns. The role of mediated channels of communication in some types of relationship initiation is well documented however, research investigating use within existing relationships is more limited. Self-disclosure is an important part of relationship maintenance, both in the initial stages of development as well as in existing relationships. This chapter explores motivations for disclosure through computer mediated communication (CMC) in pre-existing relationships and describes theoretical perspectives to advance examination of this area. Examples presented indicate four primary motivations for disclose through computer mediated communication: self, other, relationship, and situational/environmental. Further, we propose several codes within each primary reason, many of which diverged from traditional motivations for FtF disclosure. Implications and future directions for interpersonal CMC research are discussed.


2012 ◽  
pp. 873-884
Author(s):  
Holly H. Schiffrin ◽  
Melissa Falkenstern

Self-disclosure, the sharing of personal information between communication partners, has long been a topic of interest due to the large impact it plays in the development of interpersonal relationships (Altman & Taylor, 1973). As the use of computer-mediated communication (CMC) has increased, so has the interest in the impact it may have on self-disclosure and relationship development. Several theories have been posited to explain the impact that the medium of communication has on self-disclosure. Although some theories have predicted a negative impact of CMC on self-disclosure (Daft & Lengel, 1986; Kock, 2005), several researchers have found that CMC increases self-disclosure (McKenna & Bargh, 2000; Valkenberg & Peter, 2009a; Walther, 1996). This article discusses the main theories that explain the nature of online self-disclosure, the possible mechanisms by which CMC serves to increase self-disclosure, and impact that online self-disclosure has on interpersonal relationships and well-being.


Author(s):  
Kenichi AOKI ◽  
Shoji YAMAGUCHI ◽  
Renho MURAI ◽  
Ryotaro YAMAMOTO ◽  
Yusuke TAKAURA

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