Computer-mediated communication

Definition

Computer-mediated communication (CMC) refers to any human communication that occurs through the use of two or more electronic devices. This form of communication has transformed interpersonal interactions, enabling people to connect across great distances through platforms like email, social media, and instant messaging. CMC plays a significant role in shaping language use and social dynamics, as well as influencing how artificial intelligence processes and generates language in digital environments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CMC can be synchronous, like video calls and live chats, or asynchronous, such as emails and forum posts.
2. Non-verbal cues are often lost or altered in CMC, leading to the development of new linguistic forms like emojis and abbreviations.
3. CMC allows for the creation of online communities where users can engage with others who share similar interests, regardless of geographical location.
4. The anonymity often found in CMC can lead to disinhibition, where individuals may express themselves more freely than they would in face-to-face interactions.
5. Artificial intelligence technologies utilize CMC data to learn language patterns, which helps improve chatbots and other language-processing applications.

Review Questions

• How does computer-mediated communication influence interpersonal relationships compared to face-to-face interactions?
  • Computer-mediated communication alters interpersonal relationships by changing how people connect and express themselves. While it enables interaction across distances, it often lacks the non-verbal cues present in face-to-face communication, which can lead to misunderstandings. However, it allows for the formation of online communities where individuals can find support and camaraderie with others who share similar interests, creating new social dynamics.
• In what ways has computer-mediated communication affected language usage and evolution in modern society?
  • Computer-mediated communication has significantly impacted language usage by introducing new forms of expression, including abbreviations, acronyms, and emojis. These changes reflect the need for quick and concise communication in digital spaces. Furthermore, as CMC evolves, so does language itself; new vocabulary emerges to describe technology-related concepts, demonstrating how digital communication shapes linguistic development over time.
• Evaluate the implications of computer-mediated communication for artificial intelligence's ability to understand and generate human language.
  • Computer-mediated communication provides a rich dataset for artificial intelligence to analyze patterns in human language. By studying the unique aspects of CMC, such as informal syntax and emotional expression through text, AI can improve its natural language processing capabilities. This leads to advancements in tools like chatbots and virtual assistants, which increasingly mimic human conversation styles while also raising questions about authenticity and the nature of human-AI interactions.

Related terms

Instant Messaging: A real-time text-based communication method that allows users to send messages back and forth via the internet.

Social Media: Online platforms that enable users to create, share, and interact with content and other users in a virtual community.

Asynchronous Communication: A type of communication where responses are not expected immediately, allowing participants to engage at their own pace.