There are many different types of communication, but one type that has been growing rapidly for several years is Computer Mediated Communication. Computers and electronics have revolutionized communication.
Though initially seen simply as another tool for accessing Information, CM has grown Into an integral tool for human Interaction. Computer Mediated Communication Is defined as "Any communicative transaction that occurs through the use of two or more electronic devices. Originally the term was used only for communication that occurs wrought computer mediated formats, but now includes text messaging and other forms of text-based interactions. There are four main differences between CM and face-to-face communication: anonymity, physical appearance, distance, and time. One poignant example of Interpersonal communication through this medium Is a text message Interchange that I witnessed between my mom and my 20 year old brother. My brother, Ryan, lives 200 miles away, and this conversation occurred while my family and I were traveling in a car, and Ryan was at his home.
I was privy to the conversation because it enfolded over several hours. Over the course of outwears my brother pulled away from our family and moved Into an obsessive, rebellious relationship. He had never accounted for many hurtful things that he had done, but in the course of this conversation, he began to slowly discuss the more serious issues that we as a family had faced. Because he was testing, he would discuss these issues and offer basic explanations for why he had acted the way he did. When my mom challenged his real motives in those actions, he accepted responsibility and tried to explain.By the end of the conversation, my mom was able to discern that his underlying motive In even discussing this was because the relationship was dissolving and he sought to reinstate contact with his family.
CM gave my brother the courage to make contact with his family, and it also gave my mom an avenue to pursue the truth without becoming overly emotional. She could ask direct questions in a logical format where her tone of voice and facial expressions would not impact the message she was trying to send.He was safe In veiling his real motives because he could take his time creating and encoding his conversations via CM, which is the only form of communication my brother will engage in with our family at this point. The unique dangers of CM are anonymity, potential deceit, and the possibility that the receiver won't reciprocate your message.
But this example points out the strengths of CM, one being that you can communicate more deeply because you are not face to face. You can spend time creating the message before you send it, and can therefore communicate more productively and honestly.
