Put the Phone Down

If there ever was a key to happiness, this key would open a door that leads straight to a rich social life. And in the era of smartphones, this key to social connection is in our pockets anytime and anywhere. Or is it? Using the experience sampling method (ESM), we explore the use of computer-mediated communication (CMC) in the context of face-to-face (FtF) social interactions, testing two competing hypotheses: (1) a complementarity hypothesis stating that more channels of communication should be associated with higher well-being and (2) an interference hypothesis stating that FtF interactions could be impoverished by adding computer-mediated channels of communication. We surveyed 174 millennials ( Mage = 19.28; range: 17–22) 5 times a day over a period of a week (4,508 episodes). When participants reported a mix of CMC and FtF socializing in the same episode, they felt worse and less connected than when solely interacting FtF.

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Through a Screen Darkly: Use of Computer-Mediated Communication Predicts Emotional Functioning

Psychological Reports ◽

10.1177/0033294119859779 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 123 (6) ◽

pp. 2305-2332 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sarah Myruski ◽

Jean M. Quintero ◽

Samantha Denefrio ◽

Tracy A. Dennis-Tiwary

Keyword(s):

Emotion Regulation ◽

Emotional Functioning ◽

Computer Mediated Communication ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Report ◽

Emotion Detection ◽

Mediated Communication ◽

Face To Face ◽

Computer Mediated ◽

Facebook Use

Despite the pervasive use of computer-mediated communication, relatively little is known about its implications for emotional adjustment. Recent studies suggest that a preference for computer-mediated communication over other types of communication is associated with emotional vulnerabilities, and its active forms (e.g., direct communication) confer psychosocial benefits compared its passive forms (e.g., browsing Facebook). In this study, we simultaneously examined quality, quantity, and preferences for computer-mediated communication in relation to emotional competencies (emotion detection and regulation) and emotional well-being (self-report of mood and anxiety symptoms). In Study 1, participants ( N = 123) completed a facial morphing task, a computerized assessment of the speed and accuracy of emotion detection, and the Social Media and Communication Questionnaire assessing quantity and preferences to communicate via computer-mediated communication versus face-to-face. More use of computer-mediated communication along with preferring it for casual communication, was associated with faster and more accurate emotion detection. More use of computer-mediated communication, along with preferring it for positive communication and expressing distress, was associated with more difficulties with emotion regulation. Study 2 ( N = 32) added a task-based assessment of active and passive Facebook use in relation to measures of emotional functioning in Study 1. More active Facebook use was associated with greater emotional well-being, whereas more passive Facebook use was associated with less emotional well-being. Active and passive Facebook use was not significantly associated with self-report of broader computer-mediated communication preferences. Together, results suggest that greater use and preference for computer-mediated versus face-to-face communication may be related to heightened emotional sensitivity and more problems with emotion regulation, yet active versus passive use may serve to bolster emotional well-being.

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Gendered social interactions in face-to-face and computer-mediated communication

Face-To-Face Communication over the Internet ◽

10.1017/cbo9780511977589.005 ◽

2012 ◽

pp. 53-78 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Agneta Fischer

Keyword(s):

Social Interactions ◽

Computer Mediated Communication ◽

Mediated Communication ◽

Face To Face ◽

Computer Mediated

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The connected transient: the effect of network communication technologies on global flows, home and belonging

10.32920/ryerson.14662386.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Andrea Foster

Keyword(s):

Social Interaction ◽

Social Structure ◽

Social Interactions ◽

Computer Mediated Communication ◽

Communication Technologies ◽

Mediated Communication ◽

Face To Face ◽

Computer Mediated ◽

Internet Study ◽

Network Technologies

"Since its conception, cultural theorists have charted the rise of virtual culture and the differences between computer-mediated communication (CMC) and face-to-face (F2F) interaction. Cybercommunication throws into discord traditional notions of space, place, locality, local culture and social interaction. Internet study reveals new webs of meaning as network technologies affect our behaviour and our way of thinking. It is now widely believed among theorists that new communication technologies can alter social interactions and social structure"From introduction.

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The connected transient: the effect of network communication technologies on global flows, home and belonging

10.32920/ryerson.14662386 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Andrea Foster

Keyword(s):

Social Interaction ◽

Social Structure ◽

Social Interactions ◽

Computer Mediated Communication ◽

Communication Technologies ◽

Mediated Communication ◽

Face To Face ◽

Computer Mediated ◽

Internet Study ◽

Network Technologies

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Online social support groups

10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199561803.013.0010 ◽

2012 ◽

Author(s):

Martin Tanis

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Support Groups ◽

Computer Mediated Communication ◽

Well Being ◽

Social Consequences ◽

The Body ◽

Mediated Communication ◽

Online Social Support ◽

Face To Face ◽

Computer Mediated

To give and receive social support is an important aspect of social interaction, and since the Internet has become more and more integrated with everyday life, it is no surprise that much social support is exchanged online. Features of computer-mediated communication (CMC) offer possibilities for social support in a manner that would be less easy or even impossible in a face-to-face context. This article focuses on three key elements that are often mentioned when social consequences of CMC are discussed: the possibility to communicate relatively anonymously, the text-based character, and the opportunities it provides for expanding social networks without being hindered by time and space barriers. It addresses how these may affect support seeking, and argues that interacting in online social support groups holds great potential for people who seek support, but may also contain some potential hazards. However, even though the body of research is growing, we still know fairly little about how online social-support groups affect the well-being of people who are in need of support.

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Computer-Mediated Communication and Mental Health

The Oxford Handbook of Digital Technology and Society ◽

10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190932596.013.4 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 78-110

Author(s):

Adrian Meier ◽

Emese Domahidi ◽

Elisabeth Günther

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Computer Mediated Communication ◽

Well Being ◽

Future Research ◽

Mediated Communication ◽

Disciplinary Boundaries ◽

Emerging Trends ◽

Computer Mediated ◽

The Relationship ◽

Systematic Database

The relationship between computer-mediated communication (e.g., Internet or social media use) and mental health has been a long-standing issue of debate. Various disciplines (e.g., communication, psychology, sociology, medicine) investigate computer-mediated communication in relation to a great variety of negative (i.e., psychopathology) and positive (i.e., well-being) markers of mental health. We aim at charting this vast, highly fragmented, and fast growing literature by means of a scoping review. Using methods of computational content analysis in conjunction with qualitative analyses, we map 20 years of research based on 1,780 study abstracts retrieved through a systematic database search. Results reveal the most common topics investigated in the field, as well as its disciplinary boundaries. Our review further highlights emerging trends in the literature and points to unique implications for how future research should address the various relationships between computer-mediated communication and mental health.

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Social Bonding in Initial Acquaintance: Effects of Modality and Modality Order

Social Psychology Quarterly ◽

10.1177/01902725211030252 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 019027252110302

Author(s):

Susan Sprecher

Keyword(s):

Mixed Mode ◽

Social Bonds ◽

Computer Mediated Communication ◽

Positive Outcomes ◽

Perceived Similarity ◽

Mediated Communication ◽

Face To Face ◽

Perceived Responsiveness ◽

Computer Mediated ◽

Mode Interactions

In this experimental study, unacquainted dyads engaged in a get-acquainted task using two modes of communication across two segments of interaction. The dyads either first disclosed in text-based computer-mediated communication (CMC) and then disclosed face-to-face (FtF) or the reverse. The participants completed reaction measures after each segment of interaction. After the first segment, dyads who communicated FtF reported more positive outcomes (e.g., liking, closeness) than dyads who engaged in CMC. Furthermore, dyads who began in CMC and then transitioned to FtF increased in their positive reactions, whereas dyads who began in FtF and transitioned to CMC either experienced no change (in liking, closeness, and perceived similarity) or experienced a decrease (in fun/enjoyment and perceived responsiveness). Implications of the results are discussed both for the classic social psychology question of how people become acquainted and for current interest in how mixed-mode interactions generate social bonds that can help meet belonging needs.

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Deception, Detection, Demeanor, and Truth Bias in Face-to-Face and Computer-Mediated Communication

Communication Research ◽

10.1177/0093650213485785 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 42 (8) ◽

pp. 1116-1142 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Lyn M. Van Swol ◽

Michael T. Braun ◽

Miranda R. Kolb

Keyword(s):

Deception Detection ◽

Computer Mediated Communication ◽

Mediated Communication ◽

Face To Face ◽

Truth Bias ◽

Computer Mediated

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SYNCHRONOUS COMPUTER-MEDIATED COMMUNICATION AND INTERACTION

Studies in Second Language Acquisition ◽

10.1017/s027226311500025x ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 38 (3) ◽

pp. 553-586 ◽

Cited By ~ 39

Author(s):

Nicole Ziegler

Keyword(s):

Learning Outcomes ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Computer Mediated Communication ◽

Relative Effectiveness ◽

Mediated Communication ◽

Face To Face ◽

Computer Mediated ◽

Communication Modes ◽

L2 Development ◽

Small Advantage

The current study reports on a meta-analysis of the relative effectiveness of interaction in synchronous computer-mediated communication (SCMC) and face-to-face (FTF) contexts. The primary studies included in the analysis were journal articles and dissertations completed between 1990 and 2012 (k = 14). Results demonstrate that interaction in SCMC and FTF had a significant impact on second language (L2) development, providing further support for previous research demonstrating the efficacy of interaction in both communication modes (e.g., Mackey & Goo, 2007; Pellettieri, 2000; Smith, 2004, 2005). There was also a small advantage for interaction in SCMC on measures of overall L2 learning outcomes, with additional analyses indicating a small advantage for SCMC interaction on productive and written measures and a small advantage for FTF interaction on receptive and oral learning outcomes. Interestingly, there were no significant differences between SCMC and FTF, suggesting the mode of communication has no statistically significant impact on the positive developmental benefits associated with interaction.

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