Organizations that make use of computer information systems (CIS) are prototypical complex adaptive systems (CAS). This paper shows how an approach from Complexity Science, exploratory agent-based modeling (ABM), can be used to study the impact of two different modes of use of computer-mediated communication (CMC) on organizational culture (OC) and performance. The ABM includes stylized represe...

This study investigated how different types of computer-mediated communication (CMC) such as asynchronous forums, synchronous forums and e-mail were used to support an alternative approach to initial teacher education that relied on the formation of a knowledge-building community (KBC). The KBC involves students working in small and large groups to solve ‘real world’ problems, and in the proces...

Research on computer-mediated communication (CMC) has thus far largely overlooked instant messaging (IM), an extremely popular, and increasingly important, form of CMC. This study examines the most prevalent motivations for using IM within what is currently among the largest demographic groups utilizing this tool, college students. Data from 271 students are used to assess current motivations f...

The narrow bandwidth of computer-mediated communication (CMC) courses reduces status differences, suggesting that men and women will participate equally in course activities. In contrast, gender differences in computing skill, attitude, experience, and family support for students’ CMC activities suggest that females will have lower levels of participation. A study of interactions among 15 RÉSUM...

CMC has been considered a “democratizing” technology; however, research indicates that CMC does not automatically result in social equality, and points to the importance of social and cultural factors surrounding the adoption of technology. Research suggests that CMC may impose a disadvantage to females, demonstrating lower levels of social presence. This study assesses the predictive relations...

Arguing against the common perception of technology as passive, neutral, and universal, this article presents a theoretical analysis of a commonly used and frequently studied technology—Computer Mediated Communication (CMC)—to illustrate how a technology that is often undistinguished in practice and research is indeed active, biased, and specific. We then report two exploratory studies that att...

Based on traditional theories of interpersonal relationship development and on the hyperpersonal communication theory, this study examined predictors of relationship satisfaction for individuals involved in online romantic relationships. One hundredfourteen individuals (N1⁄4114) involved in online romantic relationships, and who had only engaged in computer-mediated communication (CMC) with the...

This study applied online disinhibition effect [1] to examine perceived psychological benefits (PPB) derived from computer-mediated communication (CMC). The models examined the relationship between psychological health (loneliness, self-esteem and social anxiety) and CMC for social interaction (to seek romantic/sexual relationships and emotional/social support), compulsive internet use (CIU) an...

This paper examines linguistic features of text-based computer-mediated communication (CMC) in Hong Kong. The study is based on a 70,000-word corpus of electronic mail (email) and ICQ instant messaging texts, which was mainly collected from a group of youngsters in Hong Kong. A questionnaire survey was also carried out to complement the textual findings. Some language-specific features are iden...

This chapter focuses on whether computer-mediated communication (CMC) tools are actually working to increase the overall level of participation within learning groups, in terms of increasing diversity of relationships within the group. First, this chapter provides a broad overview of social network analysis, and a synopsis of key concepts related to the network approach. In general terms, the l...