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Summary: Internet research on the effect that our use of communication and web tools have on interpersonal communication and society. These sociological perspectives use concepts of face to face interaction taken from symbolic interactionism, especially the work of Erving Goffman. Marshall McLuhan's media theory finds a place here also. To comment on human factors studies and develop a richer understanding of social media, this section looks at the mediation of human communication. What are human factors when they are social factors, communication factors, and interaction factors? Are there implications here for computer mediated interaction research and HCI designers?
Technologies of communication are either synchronous or asynchronous, meaning that they enable communication in real-time or not. The difference plays a critical role in the nature of the interactions people have through them. In asynchronous communication, a secondary medium is required with which to record the interaction. This obviously involves a high potential for message distortion (at sending and receiving end), as well as for the production of artifacts belonging to the medium. These artifacts can themselves obscure or confuse communication.
Back to: Communication technology and theory: Research into the interpersonal and social interface