Computer-Mediated Communication

Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) is a term used to describe systems that allow users to communicate using a computer network.

Networked computers allow users to communicate with each other. At present most of this communication is written although video- and audio-conferencing permit speech. Most computer-mediated communication (CMC) is asynchronous i.e. the participants are not on line at the same time and there are delays between messages. Examples of asynchronous communication include: mobile phone text messages, chat rooms, email, bulletin boards and newsgroups/discussion lists. Synchronous CMC depends on participants being on line at the same time. There may be a few seconds' delay – like a satellite phone call – but the communication is closer to face-to-face interaction. Examples of synchronous communication include: Internet Relay Chat, MOOs, audio and videoconferencing.

With the exception of videoconferencing (a form of communication over a network that uses video cameras so that the people taking part can see and hear each other), there is no opportunity for paralinguistic features such as gesture. To compensate, users have developed a number of strategies which account for the linguistic features of text-based CMC including: abbreviations and acronyms, e.g. LOL, simplified syntax-subject and modal deletion (C U L8R), tolerance of surface errors –typographical/spelling errors, symbols and exclamation marks, etc. to express emotional meaning e.g. Veees!!, symbols indicating emotions called emoticons e.g.:-(, formulaic phrases, emotes, to display action in a chat room, e.g. looks round nervously. Discourse features vary from mode to mode but for emails include omitting salutations and quoting previous messages in whole or part.

Most users connect to the Internet, using a modem (modulator/demodulator-an electronic device that converts signals to enable a computer to be connected to an ordinary telephone line), through a server and router owned by an ISP (Internet service provider). Often they have to pay the ISP a fee to make a connection but some ISPs provide a free connection, usually depending on advertising on the webpages to pay for the service or charging premium rate telephone line charges for helplines that provide help and support services. With free ISPs, the user only pays for the telephone call connection which is usually a local connection.

To attract users to connect through their system, ISPs offer various options including: an unlimited number of email addresses (unique address codes used to contact someone using electronic mail) with filtering of email to remove junk email (unwanted and unsolicited email normally advertising or trying to sell something), unlimited Web space (file storage space for storing webpage files) for setting up your own website (a set of related pages stored on a server on the World Wide Web) and virus checking facilities (for checking your computer files to detect programs written with the purpose of causing damage or causing a computer to behave in an unusual way). Web-based mail allows users to access their email from any computer with Internet access. POP3 email however requires a special email program but is faster and more efficient. Users register (open an official account) with the ISP, using a program provided on a CD-ROM or by filling out details on a webpage while online (connected to the Internet).

6. Read the text again and answer the questions:

1. What do we call an asynchronous communication? Give your examples.

2. What do we call a synchronous communication? Give your examples.

3. What is videoconferencing?

4. What strategies which account for the linguistic features of the text-based CMC have users developed?

5. What is modem?

6. What are the relations between the ISP and the user?

7. What options does the ISP usually offer?

8. What is junk email?

9. What is the difference between POP3 and the WEB-based mail?

10. What is the order of registering with the ISP?