The four communication characteristics Walther describes in his article, Computer-mediated communication: Impersonal, Interpersonal, and Hyperpersonal Interaction, continue to be relevant today despite the changes in Computer Mediated Communication (CMC). His article, which was published in 1996, focuses on the differences between CMCs (e.g. email, b-boards,group discussion boards), and face to face (F2F) interactions particularly in the workplace setting.
The fact that his communication framework is still relevant today, despite the advances in technology is most intriguing to me. When I read through his description of the four characteristics (the sender, the receiver, the channel, and the feedback loop), I started reflecting on my own experiences with communicating, mostly at work, with people I have never met before. Most of the characteristics are relevant to my everyday interactions.
I should first say, that despite all of these technological advances (Skype, Webex, IMing, etc), most of my meetings with external colleagues still take place over the phone. When I do use CMC (e-mail always) to communicate with external colleagues whom I've not me in person, it is generally to make a request or an invitation. Most of these often go to physicians so I do spend a lot of time crafting my emails. As the sender, I need the request to be clear, concise, and direct. I am more likely to get a response if the email is written in this manner. Of course, as someone with no clinical background, I need these physicians (as receivers) to perceive me to be competent and knowledgeable or I won't have a job, really.
One piece of my job involves giving feedback to physicians on their residency program goals and objectives. Often I have not met the physician in advance. To my benefit, their perception of me is enormously enhanced by "reduced cues" and our asynchronous interactions. I look young, medical student young, so my f2f interactions with these physicians often begin with an awkward start. If our interactions are conducted via email first, I can give them critical feedback, and then the first f2f interaction (if necessary) isn't awkward at all.
I should first say, that despite all of these technological advances (Skype, Webex, IMing, etc), most of my meetings with external colleagues still take place over the phone. When I do use CMC (e-mail always) to communicate with external colleagues whom I've not me in person, it is generally to make a request or an invitation. Most of these often go to physicians so I do spend a lot of time crafting my emails. As the sender, I need the request to be clear, concise, and direct. I am more likely to get a response if the email is written in this manner. Of course, as someone with no clinical background, I need these physicians (as receivers) to perceive me to be competent and knowledgeable or I won't have a job, really.
One piece of my job involves giving feedback to physicians on their residency program goals and objectives. Often I have not met the physician in advance. To my benefit, their perception of me is enormously enhanced by "reduced cues" and our asynchronous interactions. I look young, medical student young, so my f2f interactions with these physicians often begin with an awkward start. If our interactions are conducted via email first, I can give them critical feedback, and then the first f2f interaction (if necessary) isn't awkward at all.
One of my interests is in online learning/distance education. In this type of setting your want everyone to feel like their contributions matter and that they are part of a community of learners. So this framework could be helpful in understanding how learners interact (or don't interact) with each other. It might also help better understand why/how hyperpersonal relationships develop among some of learners but not others. As an instructor, this framework could be used to inform planning and monitor progress of the course -- how should learners introduce themselves?, what will the first assignment look like?, how will we know if a learner has started to disengage or is left out?
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