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Table 4.1 Classification of computer-mediated communication (CMC) into three types: (I) Synchronous
communication, (ii) Asynchronous communication and (iii) CMC combined with other activity
i. Synchronous communication
Where conversations in real time are supported by letting people talk with each other either using their voices
or through typing. Both modes seek to support non-verbal communication to varying degrees.
Examples:
Talking with voice: video phones, video conferencing (desktop or wall), media spaces.
Talking via typing: text messaging (typing in messages using cell phones), instant messaging (real-time
interaction via PCs) chatrooms, collaborative virtual environments (CVEs).
New kinds of functionality:
CVEs allow communication to take place via a combination of graphical representations of self (in the form
of avatars) with a separate chatbox or overlaying speech bubbles.
CVEs allow people to represent themselves as virtual characters, taking on new personas (e.g., opposite
gender), and expressing themselves in ways not possible in face-to-face settings.
CVEs, MUDS and chatrooms have enabled new forms of conversation mechanisms, such as multi-turn-taking,
where a number of people can contribute and keep track of a multi-streaming text-based conversation.
Instant messaging allows users to multitask by holding numerous conversations at once.
Benefits:
Not having to physically face people may increase shy people's confidence and self-esteem to converse more
in "virtual" public.
It allows people to keep abreast of the goings-on in an organization without having to move from their office.
It enables users to send text and images instantly between people using instant messaging.
In offices, instant messaging allows users to fire off quick questions and answers without the time lag of
email or phone-tag.
Problems:
Lack of adequate bandwidth has plagued video communication, resulting in poor-quality images that
frequently break up, judder, have shadows, and appear as unnatural images.
It is difficult to establish eye contact (normally an integral and subconscious part of face-to-face
conversations) in CVEs, video conferencing, and videophones.
Having the possibility of hiding behind a persona, a name, or an avatar in a chatroom gives people the
opportunity to behave differently. Sometimes this can result in people becoming aggressive or intrusive.
ii. Asynchronous communication
Where communication between participants takes place remotely and at different times. It relies not on time-
dependent turn-taking but on participants initiating communication and responding to others when they want
or are able to do so.
Examples:
email, bulletin boards, newsgroups, computer conferencing
New kinds offunctionality:
Attachments of different sorts (including annotations, images, music) for email and computer conferencing
can be sent.
Messages can be archived and accessed using various search facilities.
Benefits:
Ubiquity: Can read any place, any time.
Flexibility: Greater autonomy and control of when and how to respond, so can attend to it in own time
rather than having to take a turn in a conversation at a particular cue.
Powerful: Can send the same message to many people.
Makes some things easier to say: Do not have to interact with person so can be easier to say things than when
face to face (e.g., announcing sudden death of colleague, providing feedback on someone's performance).
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