The influence of task type, group structure and extraversion on uninhibited speech in computer-mediated communication

Abstract

Computer-mediated communication networks have been reported to foster uninhibited verbal exchanges. It has been theorized that this is because of the depersonalizing influence that the technology has on the individual. It has also been theorized that the phenomenon's intensity can be mediated by the types of tasks that are discussed over this medium and by the relations of the group members and the group member's personalities. An experiment was performed to evaluate the influence of task type, group structure, and extraversion on the amount of uninhibited speech in a computer-mediated discussion. Two types of group discussion tasks were used: a choice-dilemna task without any clear-cut solution and a definitive solution task. Two types of group structures served as a blocking strategy: preacquainted versus nonacquainted triads. Group members' degree of extraversion was assessed since it was assumed that extraverts are more outgoing by definition and thus would be likely to exhibit such uninhibited speech to a greater extent than persons that were less extraverted. The results indicated that uninhibited speech was greatest for preaquainted triads assigned a definitive solution task. Also, uninhibited speech was greatest for persons who were highly extrverted. An inverse relationship was found between amount of uninhibited speech and group productivity. Implications for the management of computer-mediated communications are discussed.