TTYL :-) … Nonverbal cues and perceptions of personality and homophily in synchronous mediated communication

Abstract

ABSTRACT Person perception is an integral aspect of human communication and is increasingly relevant in computer-mediated communication (CMC) because of the mobile and ubiquitous nature of mediated communication. Based on the hypothesis that nonverbal cues in CMC such as emoticons, acronyms, exaggerated spellings, acronyms, and altered sentence structure are similar to face-to-face nonverbal cues and have similar communicative outcomes, this study examines the effect of nonverbal cues in online synchronous interactions on perceptions of personality and homophily. Employing a between-subjects post-test experimental design, participants (N = 505) were randomized to view one of three transcripts of an instant messaging conversation in which nonverbal cues along with the valence were manipulated. Results showed that subjects in the positive nonverbal cues condition were perceived to be extraverted and agreeable; those in the negative nonverbal cues condition were perceived to be neurotic, and those in the control condition were perceived to be conscientiousness and homophilous. The findings suggest that nonverbal cues in synchronous mediated communication allow individuals to engage in impression formation.