Computer mediated communication (CMC)

 Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC)

Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) is defined as any communication that occurs through the use of two or more electronic devices. While the term has traditionally referred to those communications that occurs via computer-mediated formats (eg. , instant messaging, email, chat rooms), it has also been applied to other forms of text based interaction such as text messaging.

Definition

Computer mediated communication (CMC) is any form of communication between two or more individual people who interact and/or influence each other via separate computer through the Internet or a network connection - using social software like facebook, twitter etc. CMC does not include the methods by which two computers communicate, but rather how people communicate via computers.

Advantages of CMC

• Computer Mediated Communication breaks down geographical barriers to communication enabling collaboration through communication over distance.
• People can exchange, store, edit, broadcast, and copy any written document. They can send data and messages straight away, easily, at low cost, and over long distances. Messages can be sent to groups of any size and can be programmed for such special functions as automatic copying to a pre-specified distribution list. Two or more people can look at a document and revise it together, consult with each other on critical matters or ask for and give assistance interactively.

Disadvantage of CMC

• More time consuming
• Absence of regulating Feedback, lack of socio emotional and nonverbal indications. In face to face communication, head nods, smiles, eye contact, distance, tone of voice, and other nonverbal behavior give speakers and listeners information they can use to regulate, modify, and control exchanges. Electronic communication may be inefficient for resolving such coordination problems as telling another person you already have knowledge of something he or she is explaning.
• The lack of social Feedback might make it difficult to coordinate and comprehend messages.