Mediatisation

UNIT 3 COMPUTER - MEDIATED

COMMUNICATION
Structure
3.0 Introduction
3.1 Learning Outcomes
3.2 Agency in Computer-mediated Communication
3.3 Advantages and Disadvantages of Computer-mediated Communication
3.4 Theories of Computer-Mediated Communication
3.4.1 Social Presence Theory
3.4.2 Media Richness Theory
3.4.3 Social Information Processing Theory
3.4.4 Hyperpersonal Model of Computer-Mediated Communication
3.5 Types of Computer-Mediated Communication
3.5.1 Synchronous Communication
3.5.2 Asynchronous Communication
3.6 Benefits of Synchronous Communication
3.7 Benefits of asynchronous Communication
3.8 Computer-Mediated Communication and Psychology
3.9 Computer-Mediated communication and its use in Mass communication
3.10 Let Us Sum Up
3.11 Keywords
3.12 Further Readings
3.13 Check Your Progress: Possible Answers

3.0 INTRODUCTION
Computer-mediated Communication (CMC) refers to communication in which users
interact with each other with the help of computers and networks. CMC facilitates
communication among people at different locations and in different time zones.
Electronic mail, text messaging, chat rooms, video calls, and instant messaging are
ways to practice CMC. Since CMC happens with the help of computers, Internet-
enabled devices, networks, and the Internet, the chances of having noise are high.
This is unlike the FtF situation; the users may also experience communication barriers.
People lacking digital media literacy skills may struggle to experience CMC. Since
it is a virtual mode of communication, users are anonymous, and self-disclosure
may be delayed. The machine is an interface that facilitates communication. It sends
the data from the sender to the receiver and back to the sender. In CMC, feedback
may be instant or delayed. Delayed feedback indicates a lack of interest in
conversation or the unavailability of the receiver. The message has to be encoded
in a manner which can be decoded easily by the receiver and vice versa. People
with common interests can come together and form virtual communities with the
help of CMC. 53
Communication Patterns
of Digital Media 3.1 LEARNING OUTCOMES
After completing this Unit, you should be able to
 Understand the concept of Computer-mediated Communication;
 Learn the theories related to computer-mediated communication;
 Understand the types of computer-mediated communication and their
advantages and disadvantages; and
 Learn the role of computer-mediated communication in mass communication.

3.2 AGENCY IN COMPUTER-MEDIATED

COMMUNICATION
Agency in computer-mediated Communication (CMC) refers to the ability of people
to act, make selections, and exert their presence in the digital realm. CMC offers
numerous modes of interaction through virtual environments like email, instant
messaging, and social media. Here are some key points concerning agency in CMC:
1. Select the communication platforms:
Customers can choose the communication platform they want to use. The
selection is governed by the sender and receiver’s technical literacy levels.
For example, they could opt for electronic mail for formal communication
and informal conversations with family and friends, or they might choose
Facebook and WhatsApp.
2. Content creation and dissemination: CMC offers the agency to users
to create content in the format of their choice and gives them the control to
share it on social media and other platforms. The content may include
texts, images, graphics videos and animation. This content allows users to
share their thoughts, discuss, and interact on social networks.
3. Creating online identity:
CMC offers agency to users, who are free to create their own identities
with the help of software tools. Moreover, they can share their online identity
with their friends. In virtual chatrooms, users can choose any avatar of their
choice. The avatar may indicate the user’s persona; the avatar can wear
sunglasses, jeans, and a t-shirt to look cool. He can look like a sports star
and be dressed accordingly. Virtual gadgets and props can be added to
copy any style and resemble a Hollywood actor. So, the user chooses how
he would like to present himself on the Internet, his digital presence.
4. Social presence, interaction, and networking:
Internet users are free to select their friends and maintain relationships with
them. They enjoy the agency where they decide their virtual presence’s
time, duration, and mode. Moreover, they can choose the social networks
they want to participate in. Despite the mediated nature of communication,
customers keep the agency in forming and keeping social relationships online.
They could provoke conversations, be part of groups, set up connections,
54 and construct networks based on shared interests and affiliations. The users
 can choose the discussions they would participate in, where they would Computer-Mediated
Communication
like to give feedback and simply want to block unwanted communication.
5. Privacy and security:
Users can maintain their privacy while communicating through computers
and digital devices. They also have the agency to adjust their security levels,
allowing access to their files and folders on the machine. The privacy and
security settings can also be adjusted through individual apps and browsers.
6. Digital media literacy:
Developing literacy skills helps users navigate the CMC environments
successfully. Media literacy also empowers users to be responsible for their
communication. Digital media literacy skills make users aware of
misinformation and disinformation.

3.3 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF

COMPUTER-MEDIATED COMMUNICATION
The advantages of computer-mediated communication are as follows:
1. CMC can happen anytime and anywhere. The sender and receiver can
be in different time zones. It offers flexibility in time and place. The technology
used for communication is quite cheap, and the message can be sent almost
anywhere in the world. The receiver should have Internet access and a device
to receive the message. The message can be sent to one person at a time
or many users with a single click. So, in that sense, CMC is a time-saving
process. A lecturer can send a single mail to his entire cohort of 100 students.
All can see and understand the same message, thus minimising the
communication gap. This instant feedback is relevant and makes CMC a
productive process.
2. Messages sent through CMC can be archived for later retrieval. Almost
all tools, such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, and email, offer server
space where older messages are stored. The metadata of these messages
is also stored, providing agency for faster retrieval.
3. CMC can be in the form of text, audio, and video. Users can choose
their mode and style of communication. Moreover, visually challenged people
can communicate through audio and text, while people who are deaf and
dumb can interact through sign language. These days, quite a few CMC
tools support emojis and emoticons. The visual cues can be given with the
help of emojis. Emojis are quite successful in conveying emotions and state
of mind. If one is happy or sad, he can convey this with the help of emojis,
built-in WhatsApp and email.
The disadvantages of CMC are:
1. CMC lacks the cues given by FtF communication. The words and emojis
may help convey the message, but their impact may be much lesser than
that of FtF communication. Communication is not only about text and words.
CMC had no non-verbal cues, but the introduction of emojis changed things. 55
Communication Patterns These emojis and pictograms used on mobile apps have made CMC media-
of Digital Media
rich. Emojis and emoticons can be seen as non-verbal Communication in
CMC, but this may also lead to misunderstanding. Young users use animated
emojis quite frequently. Again, emojis are to be used with care in different
cultures.
2. CMC suffers from a trust deficit, and people often feel that their confidential
data and privacy are compromised. Anonymity and delay in self-disclosure
led to low trust, which improves with time and as the relationship moves
from machine mediated to FtF.
3. For CMC, one needs a basic level of information technology skills. Issues
of Internet connectivity, cost of data plans, cost of software being used,
and malware attacks often discourage the user from using CMC.

3.4 THEORIES OF COMPUTER-MEDIATED

COMMUNICATION
Some of the theories that explain computer-mediated communication are discussed
below.

3.4.1 Social Presence Theory

Social presence theory in communication and psychology explores how users feel
connected and socially present in computer-mediated communication environments,
such as online discussions, chatrooms, virtual communities, zoom calls and instant
messaging apps. John Short, Ederyn Williams, and Bruce Christie contributed towards
this theory in 1976. It argues that the social cues given by the various communication
mediums differ. This difference in the mediums affects the development of interpersonal
relationships.
Presence refers to the physical world and how it is understood in the virtual
environment in CMC. For example, when a user wears a virtual reality headset in
the metaverse, the virtual stimuli trigger his mind and body.? The user may feel the
same connection with other users in the metaverse. People who spend more time
in a virtual reality simulation perceive it to be like the real physical world and
demonstrate physiological effects. Social presence is “the degree to which we perceive
another person’s digital presence, say an avatar, as a real person and interact with
it as though there is an existing relationship.
During CMC, different technologies and their agency offer varying perceptions from
real to virtual. For example, while going through news on a mobile app, we do not
forget that it’s a mobile phone and are quite aware of the agency it offers. On the
other hand, if one has an online meeting, the behaviour and communication are the
same as in a FtF situation. The difference lies in the perception of social presence
and the stimuli. Researchers use social presence theory to improvise the design of
communication tools and make CMC more effective.
According to the theory, social presence is influenced by factors like:
1. Sensory Richness: Communication channels that provide more sensory cues,
such as facial expressions and gestures, tone, and voice pitch, communicate
56 a higher social presence. Video conferencing has a higher social presence
 than text-based chat since participants can see and hear each other. Virtual Computer-Mediated
Communication
reality environments in the metaverse or augmented reality with some degree
of immersiveness enhance social presence by creating a sense of co-presence
in the shared space on the metaverse.
2. Degree of Interactivity: Interactivity in CMC depends on the device and
software used. More interactivity indicates a higher social presence.
Higher levels of interactivity, like immediate feedback during real- time
interpersonal communication, enhance the sense of social presence.
3. Personalisation of content: Social presence is felt more when the content
is personalised to suit the needs of the individuals. Tailored content increases
the perception of social presence, and they get more involved in CMC,
thereby showing a higher degree of interactivity.

3.4.2 Media Richness Theory

Richard L. Daft and Robert H. Lengel proposed this theory in the 1980s. It discusses
how different communication media differ in their ability to convey information, which
affects the understanding of the message and its context. The theory suggests that
the richness of the information can be on a continuum, from low to high.
Key components of Media Richness Theory include:
1. Richness: Media richness refers to how much a communication medium
can convey cues and immediate feedback. Rich media facilitates
personalisation and conveys nuance, emotion, and context, leading to more
effective and goal-oriented communication.
2. Rich Media: FtF Communication and video conferencing are examples
of rich media since the visual component provides multiple cues and faster
personalisation.
3. Medium-Rich Media: Telephonic calls and audio conferences offer some
richness as they offer vocal cues and immediate feedback. However, the
lack of visual cues makes them less reliable, so personalisation takes time.
Text messages in WhatsApp lie on a lower continuum than articles published
in a magazine, as the articles might have some photographs, i.e., visual
cues. Text messages cannot convey emotions to the extent a photograph
does.
4. Cues are signals or communication elements present during verbal and
nonverbal communication. They provide an additional context to the
conversation, help in better comprehension, and thus facilitate faster feedback.
Examples of cues include facial expressions, tone, gestures, and proxemics.
Cues vary depending on the affordances of the device and software used
for CMC.
Thus, this theory postulates that media organisations should plan the richness they
want in their messages to achieve the desired results. Rich media can accompany
stories and beats, which are more difficult to comprehend, while low richness in
media is used for basic stories, which are just informing the audience. For example,
a weather report can have rich media like videos and animation, while a simple
movie review can be based on text only and would be low rich.
57
Communication Patterns Check Your Progress: 1
of Digital Media
Note: 1) Use the space provided below for your Answers.
2) Compare your answers with those given at the end of this Unit.
1. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of computer-mediated communication.
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2. What is social presence theory? Discuss.
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3. Explain the concept of media richness theory.
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3.4.3 Social Information Processing Theory

Joseph Walther’s social information processing theory looks at how people process
information. This theory tries to understand how interpersonal relationships are
developed through computer-mediated Communication (CMC). A relationship begins
with verbal cues, but there are no non-verbal cues. So, the receiver and the sender
form impressions based on the low-rich media, i.e., text messages. Social processing
theory attempts to analyse this process. The theory also argues that the relationship
formed through CMC becomes stronger over time and moves to an FtF relationship,
indicating intimacy and closeness. The basic difference between CMC and FtF
Communication is that there is an obligation to reply or give immediate feedback
in face-to-face communication. In contrast, the receiver can delay the feedback in
CMC, indicating his unavailability to continue the conversation. Moreover, FtF
conversation has visual cues, whereas CMC may lack that; also, the interpretation
of cues through CMC may be wrong.

3.4.4 Hyperpersonal Model of Computer-Mediated

Communication
The Hyperpersonal Model of CMC postulates that under certain conditions, CMC
has the agency to transcend traditional face-to-face (FtF) communication. This effect
is advantageous for communicators. Communication professor Joseph Walther
developed this theory in 1996. The key Components in the hyperpersonal model
of computer-mediated communication are:
1) Sender’s Selective Self-Presentation: In a CMC mode, the sender can
choose how he wants to be represented. He can decide his persona and
58 appearance. What image would he like to create during virtual
 communication? One can decide on the display picture (DP) of their Computer-Mediated
Communication
WhatsApp or Facebook profile and plan the status updates and photos
the user would like to show others. Self-presentation and cues allow the
users to portray their image in the way they like.
2) Receivers: The recipients also want to like the people they interact with.
Their impressions of the sender are formed by their portrayal of their image
and the cues they give. Thus, the receivers often justify their reasons for
liking the sender. They look for cues that strengthen their inclination towards
the sender.
3) Channel: Senders can choose the channel to carefully construct their
message for self-presentation. They can plan the communication time and
may synchronise it with the channel settings to deliver cues for image
representation. Social media platforms, email, voice messages or video calls
are a few channels that are used for self-presentation.
4) Feedback is the exchange of messages between sender and receiver. The
sender can practice self-disclosure while self-representation and build trust
with the receiver, creating a Communication spiral.

3.5 TYPES OF COMPUTER-MEDIATED

COMMUNICATION
Instant messaging on mobile through WhatsApp, Google Chat, Skype, and
conferencing are examples of synchronous computer-mediated communication.
Sending text messages like SMS, MMS, email, discussion forums on various subjects,
and mailing lists are examples of asynchronous computer-mediated communication.

3.5.1 Synchronous Communication

Computer-mediated communication has two types: synchronous and asynchronous.
Computer-mediated communication that happens in real time is synchronous. The
sender and receiver may be in different places, but with the help of a machine, they
interact as though they are sharing the same physical space, just like FtF. Video
chats, WhatsApp calls, and FaceTime audio calls are examples of synchronous
communication.

3.5.2 Asynchronous Communication

On the other hand, in asynchronous computer-mediated communication, the
communication is not real-time. There is delayed feedback. The visual cues may
be less effective than those in real-time synchronous communication. Examples of
asynchronous Communication include text messages and emails.

3.6 BENEFITS OF SYNCHRONOUS

COMMUNICATION
Synchronous communication facilitates feedback in real-time. Mobile devices,
WhatsApp calls, Zoom video conferencing, and telephonic calls are examples of
synchronous communication. Immediate feedback helps in quick decision-making.
Business decisions can be taken immediately as team members discuss the insights 59
Communication Patterns over a video call. Tools like Zoom and Google Meet allow files to be shared, and
of Digital Media
the user can show the charts and findings through video conferencing. Synchronous
communication helps build a rapport faster with other users, which helps form
relationships faster. It is time-saving, and the cues help clarify sensitive issues. Faster
and immediate feedback also helps in removing communication gaps.

3.7 BENEFITS OF ASYNCHRONOUS

COMMUNICATION
The receiver can respond when it’s comfortable for him. In a team setting, the team
gets enough time to plan their response. Asynchronous communication has delayed
feedback, which means that users can continue to focus on their job and will not
get distracted. They reply when they are prepared. Different team members can
co-ordinate and work out a strategy before replying.

3.8 COMPUTER-MEDIATED COMMUNICATION

AND PSYCHOLOGY
CMC is very different from FtF communication. In audio and text-based CMC,
one cannot see the physical and facial expressions of the person with whom one
communicates. So, visual cues like gestures and body language are missing here.
Psychologists have examined the processes that come into play while practising CMC.
Deindividuation, coined by Festinger, Pepitone and Newcomb (1952), is the first
such process which says that CMC leads to a decline in concerns about self-
presentation, attention to social norms, and a focus on the self. Another psychological
process in CMC is anonymity. Those engaging in CMC often practice lower self-
regulation since they think they are not seen and can lie about their identity. Anonymity
and deindividuation can have positive and negative consequences. CMC is quite
impersonal because of the lack of physical space to be shared in real-time.
Moreover, users are unaware of each other’s location, gender, age, and background.
They only see what the other person wants them to see, and based on that, they
make their decisions about each other. So, there is always doubt and curiosity about
knowing the other person.
People often enjoy two or more identities online. They have different profiles, profile
pictures and avatars on social media platforms and mobile apps. They might show
a different aspect of their personality on these apps since some apps and platforms
are designed for specific tasks. For example, on LinkedIn, one can show his academic
and professional achievements to enjoy a good reputation, increasing his chances
of getting a better job. On a gaming platform like Steam, people can upload different
details about themselves and highlight their success stories from online gaming. It’s
quite easy to manipulate a person’s identity on the Internet. Multiple identities can
be used to commit crimes. So, in real life, a person can be the opposite of what he
depicts about himself on the Internet.

3.9 COMPUTER-MEDIATED COMMUNICATION

AND ITS USE IN MASS COMMUNICATION
CMC is now being used for mass communication due to its convenience, operability,
60 accessibility, and ease of usage. A person must have basic literacy skills to operate
devices used in CMC. With the coming of Windows and mobile operating systems Computer-Mediated
Communication
in Hindi and other languages, it is easy for the common man to communicate.
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube are used extensively
to share information on various topics. Information about every subject, news, topic,
and issue is available on the web and is being shared and discussed with the help
of social media. Not only news but also business reports, advertisements, annual
reports, etc., are being shared with the help of CMC to reach out to its clients,
customers, and other stakeholders. Social media also offers interaction and
engagement, which allows users to give feedback. The feedback includes likes, shares,
comments, and retweets.
Computer-mediated communication allows news to be disseminated through websites
and blogs. News websites have video stories that can be shared through instant
messaging tools. CMC facilitates the spread of news and other media content to
remote areas, provided there is high bandwidth to support media-rich files. Video
streaming platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and Dailymotion can also be used to
communicate with and reach their audiences. This form of communication is one-
many. This is the major advantage of computer-mediated communication. The message
can be encoded and, with the help of technology, disseminated to many homogenous
and heterogeneous audiences. As mentioned, the message can also be audio but
lacks cues. Since these messages have been produced, they are generally free from
any glitches, and the content has also been seen before publishing it on the web.
Platforms like YouTube and Dailymotion allow audiences to share feedback and
invite user reviews. This helps the producers improve their content for the next
programme. Podcasts and images can also be used to communicate. Information
on almost any topic can be published through CMC. Thus, CMC has the potential
to connect individuals who are physically at different locations and may have different
attitudes, beliefs, and cultures. CMC brings them together and facilitates information
exchange among virtual communities. These communities are formed because they
have similar interests and come together for a cause; once the purpose is fulfilled,
the virtual communities start dispersing. This temporal phenomenon happens because
of CMC, but the results may last longer.
Check Your Progress: 2
Note: 1) Use the space provided below for your Answers.
2) Compare your answers with those given at the end of this Unit.
1. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of asynchronous communication.
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2. What is social information processing theory? Discuss.
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61
Communication Patterns 3. Explain the role of CMC in mass communication.
of Digital Media
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3.10 LET US SUM UP

Computer-mediated communication has revolutionised the way people communicate
and exchange data. It is a boon for all, as people in distant places can interact at
their convenience. Verbal and non-verbal communication is also done through CMC.
All one needs is an Internet-enabled device and an Internet connection. The initial
cost of procuring the hardware and software and the Internet fees might deter a
few, but if used properly, it can be a game changer. The cost of hardware and software
is coming down, and the Internet plans are getting cheaper. CMC is useful for students
and working and non-working professionals. It is extremely useful in e-commerce,
e-governance, and online education. The use of CMC was witnessed during the
pandemic as schools struggled to impart education. People were confined to homes
but still could do their work, and the children could complete their education. CMC
can be synchronous and asynchronous. Research scholars have suggested a few
theories that explain the concept of CMC and the psychological journey of the
individuals who experience CMC. CMC has fewer drawbacks as compared to its
advantages. Finally, while communicating through machines in a mediated environment,
one should be alert and safeguard one’s data and identity.

3.11 KEYWORDS
Affordances : The product design to be used in a channel offers potential
opportunities for usage. For example, a keyboard’s curved
shape allows the user to use it while relaxing on a sofa.
Affordances allow things that can be done with the hardware.
Agent : A computer program that acts on its own or behalf of a user,
thereby giving an agency in the process.
Avatar : A visual representation of a human user on the web. This can
be any popular character from films, cartoons, superheroes,
or the actual photograph of the user.
Deindividuation is the process of losing awareness of oneself
while experiencing CMC.
Emojis are pictographic representations of faces that show
different emotional states a human being expresses. They can
be added to the text in an email or message to supplement
text messages, improving understanding and resulting in faster
feedback.
An emoticon is the pictorial representation of facial expressions
or actions generated by typing characters on a computer
62 keyboards.
 Computer-Mediated
3.12 FURTHER READINGS Communication

1. Computer-Mediated Communication. (2022). United Kingdom: IntechOpen.

2. Kelsey, S., St. Amant, K. (2011). Computer-Mediated Communication: Issues
and Approaches in Education. Ukraine: Information Science Reference.
3. Thurlow, C., Lengel, L., Tomic, A. (2004). Computer-Mediated Communication.
India: SAGE Publications.
4. Yao, M. Z., & Ling, R. (2020). “What is computer-mediated communication?”
—An introduction to the special issue. Journal of Computer-Mediated
Communication, 25(1), 4-8. [Link]
25/1/4/5736586

3.13 CHECK YOUR PROGRESS: POSSIBLE

ANSWERS
Check Your Progress: 1
1. Computer-mediated communication offers convenience, global reach, and
asynchronous interaction. However, it lacks non-verbal cues, leading to
misunderstandings, and may foster impersonal relationships due to reduced social
cues and intimacy. Computer-mediated communication (CMC) offers several
advantages, including increased accessibility and convenience. Through CMC,
individuals can communicate instantaneously regardless of geographical barriers,
fostering global connectivity. Moreover, CMC platforms often facilitate
asynchronous communication, allowing users to interact at their convenience,
enhancing flexibility. Additionally, CMC enables the sharing of diverse multimedia
content, enriching communication experiences.
However, CMC also presents some drawbacks. One major concern is the
potential for misinterpretation due to the absence of nonverbal cues such as
facial expressions and body language, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts.
Furthermore, the impersonal nature of CMC may weaken interpersonal bonds,
hindering the development of meaningful relationships. Additionally, issues related
to privacy and security arise in CMC environments, with the risk of personal
information being compromised or misused.
2. Social presence theory suggests individuals perceive varying degrees of intimacy
and sociability in online interactions. It explores how technology affects social
interaction by examining how users perceive and react to the presence of others
in virtual environments, influencing communication dynamics and outcomes. Social
presence theory explores the degree of “presence” individuals experience when
interacting with others through mediated communication channels. It suggests
that the level of social presence, or the sense of being together with others,
varies across different communication mediums. In face-to-face interactions,
social presence is typically high due to rich nonverbal cues, fostering intimacy
and immediacy. However, in mediated communication contexts such as online
forums or text messaging, social presence may be lower due to the absence of
these cues.
The theory emphasizes the importance of social cues and feedback mechanisms
in enhancing social presence within mediated environments. Strategies such as 63
Communication Patterns
of Digital Media using emoticons, providing feedback, and incorporating multimedia elements
aim to compensate for the lack of nonverbal cues and increase social presence.
Overall, social presence theory highlights the dynamic interplay between
communication mediums and the perceived sense of connection among
individuals.
3. Media richness theory posits that communication effectiveness depends on the
medium’s ability to convey multiple cues, facilitate immediate feedback, and
handle language variety. Rich media (e.g., face-to-face) excel in conveying
complex messages, while lean media (e.g., text-based) suit simpler, less ambiguous
messages, impacting communication efficiency and outcomes. Media richness
theory posits that communication effectiveness is influenced by the richness of
the communication medium. According to this theory, communication mediums
vary in their ability to convey complex messages and facilitate understanding.
Rich media, such as face-to-face interaction, provide immediate feedback, multiple
cues, and personalization, enabling the transmission of rich, nuanced information.
In contrast, lean media, like text-based emails, offer limited feedback and fewer
cues, making them suitable for conveying simple, straightforward messages.
Media richness theory emphasizes matching the communication medium to the
nature of the message and task requirements. For complex, ambiguous messages
requiring rapid feedback and personal interaction, rich media are preferred.
Conversely, for routine, well-defined tasks, lean media may suffice. Understanding
media richness helps organizations optimize communication strategies and select
appropriate channels to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Check Your Progress: 2
1. Asynchronous communication offers flexibility, allowing participants to respond
at their convenience. It facilitates thoughtful responses and documentation.
However, it can lead to delays in decision-making and misunderstandings due
to lack of immediate feedback and context. Asynchronous communication offers
numerous advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, it provides flexibility,
allowing individuals to communicate without the constraints of real-time
interaction. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those with busy schedules
or in different time zones. Additionally, asynchronous communication allows for
thoughtful responses as individuals have time to reflect before replying. It also
facilitates documentation and archiving of conversations, making it easier to
reference past discussions. However, asynchronous communication can lead
to delays in decision-making and problem-solving, as responses may not be
immediate. Misinterpretation of tone or intent is also a risk, as non-verbal cues
such as facial expressions and tone of voice are absent. Furthermore,
asynchronous communication may foster a sense of disconnection or isolation
among participants, particularly in collaborative endeavours where real-
time interaction is beneficial. Lastly, reliance on asynchronous
communication can sometimes hinder spontaneous creativity and
innovation, as the immediate exchange of ideas may be limited.
2. Social Information Processing Theory proposes that individuals can form
relationships online like face-to-face interactions, given sufficient time to
develop trust and intimacy. It suggests that communication cues are adapted
64
 and interpreted differently in online contexts, influencing relational outcomes. Computer-Mediated
Communication
Social Information Processing Theory (SIPT) posits that individuals can develop
relationships and form impressions of others through computer-mediated
communication (CMC) despite the absence of physical cues. According to this
theory, individuals compensate for the lack of non-verbal cues by utilizing other
information available in CMC, such as linguistic cues and contextual information.
Through repeated interactions, individuals can develop relationships and social
bonds comparable to those formed in face-to-face interactions. SIPT suggests
that the process of forming relationships in CMC may take longer compared
to face-to-face interactions, as individuals need time to accumulate and interpret
social cues. However, once established, these online relationships can be just
as meaningful and intimate as offline relationships. SIPT highlights the importance
of self-disclosure and reciprocity in online interactions, as they contribute to
the development of trust and intimacy. Overall, SIPT provides insight into how
individuals navigate and form relationships in online environments, shedding light
on the complexities of virtual social interaction.
3. Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) in mass communication enables
rapid dissemination of information to a large audience. It facilitates real-time
interactions, enhances audience engagement, and provides a platform for diverse
voices. However, it can also lead to information overload, filter bubbles, and
digital divides in access and participation. Computer-mediated communication
(CMC) plays a significant role in mass communication by facilitating the
dissemination of information to large and diverse audiences through digital channels.
CMC platforms such as social media, email, and online forums enable mass
communication by allowing individuals and organizations to share news, opinions,
and multimedia content with a global audience instantaneously. These platforms
democratize the flow of information, empowering individuals to participate in
public discourse and engage with media content in ways that were previously
inaccessible. Additionally, CMC platforms serve as valuable tools for journalists
and media professionals to gather news, conduct research, and interact with
audiences in real-time. However, CMC also poses challenges for traditional
mass communication channels, as the abundance of user-generated content and
the proliferation of fake news can undermine the credibility of information
disseminated through digital platforms. Furthermore, CMC blurs the boundaries
between producers and consumers of media content, challenging traditional
notions of media gatekeeping and control. Despite these challenges, CMC has
revolutionized mass communication by offering new opportunities for information
dissemination, audience engagement, and interactive storytelling.

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