Abstract
Interpersonal communication is the number one use of home computers (the Pew Internet & American Life Project, 2001). Despite the growing literature, there is still debate about the social and psychological effects of CMC use, especially regarding its impact on interpersonal relationships. In this chapter, I discuss the use of CMCs for maintenance of long-distance interpersonal relationships and for exchange of social support when individuals have limited availability for personal face-to-face contact. A summary of recent research examining the prevalence of CMC use by people on the go or in transitions is presented, followed by a discussion of the effects of this communication medium on their daily functioning. Then, specific features of online communications that make them favorable over other mediums for interpersonal contact with both nearby and distant social network members are discussed.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Acculturation: Process of psychological and behavioral changes an individual experiences as a result of sustained contact with members of other cultural group.
Home Culture: Culture of origin.
Host Culture: The culture acculturating individuals move to.
Social Support Network: People who know and care about us and who can provide back-up during a time of stress.
Sojourners: People who are acculturating temporarily, like international students, expatriates, or missionaries.
Home Culture: Culture of origin.
Socio-Cultural Adaptation: Ability to fit in with the social life in the new culture.
Non-Social CMC Use: Solitary Online communications such as web surfing, news reading and person versus computer gaming, requiring no social contact with others.
Social CMC Use: Online communications such as e-mail, chatting, or bulletin boards, which involve direct contact with individuals.
Transition: An alteration in a person’s position in the ecological environment as a result of change of role, setting, or both.
Psychological Adaptation: Psychological and emotional well-being in the new cultural context.
Social CMC Use: Online communications such as e-mail, chatting, or bulletin boards, which involve direct contact with individuals.
Sojourners: People who are acculturating temporarily, like international students, expatriates, or missionaries.
Psychological Adaptation: Psychological and emotional well-being in the new cultural context.
Acculturation: Process of psychological and behavioral changes an individual experiences as a result of sustained contact with members of other cultural group.
Social Support Network: People who know and care about us and who can provide back-up during a time of stress.
Socio-Cultural Adaptation: Ability to fit in with the social life in the new culture.
Non-Social CMC Use: Solitary Online communications such as web surfing, news reading and person versus computer gaming, requiring no social contact with others.
Transition: An alteration in a person’s position in the ecological environment as a result of change of role, setting, or both.
Host Culture: The culture acculturating individuals move to.