Computer-mediated Communication Technologies Research Articles

How humanlike is enough?: Uncover the underlying mechanism of virtual influencer endorsement

Social media and computer-mediated communication technologies have given rise to the emergence of virtual influencers and created a new digital landscape for online interactions. Although an increasing number of virtual influencers - computer-generated agents are developing partnerships with organizations and brands to connect with social media users, there is a paucity of research exploring the mechanism underlying the endorsement of virtual influencers. With an online experiment (N = 320), this study investigated the effects of using virtual influencers in branding. Particularly, we examined how variations in humanlike appearances affect two-dimensional anthropomorphism and para-social interaction in the communication process. In general, results showed that respondents perceived higher levels of mindful anthropomorphism and stronger para-social interactions with virtual influencers that had a more humanlike appearance, leading to more favorable brand attitudes and higher purchase intentions. No significant difference in branding effects was found between a highly humanlike virtual influencer and a real human. Additionally, the branding effects were not different between using a moderately humanlike virtual influencer and a highly humanlike one or a real human endorser via mindless anthropomorphism. Findings provide both theoretical and practical insights into using virtual influencers in branding.

PRE-SERVICE EFL TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF ONLINE COMMUNITY OF INQUIRY IN COMPUTER-MEDIATED SYNCHRONOUS COLLABORATIVE TECHNOLOGY USING GOOGLE DOCS

Participation in online learning environments is increasingly popular following the advent of several computer-mediated communication (CMC) tools. There has been empirical evidence about the positive impacts of using synchronous collaborative technologies on students’ classroom interactions and learning outcomes. This article reports on an examination of Google Docs as collaborative technology for group assignments in a content course on designing test items for young learners of English. A total 54 pre-service EFL teachers were examined for their perceived levels of participation, learning, social, and teaching presence in the online community where Google Docs was utilized as a collaborative platform for sharing work and receiving feedback. Main findings indicate the pre-service teachers’ overall positive perceptions of the use of Google Docs, and their perceived levels of learning, teaching, and social presence were better than those in the face-to-face meeting condition. The results suggest a cohesive community where exchange of ideas and feedback took place effectively and Google Docs was perceived to improve feedback efficiency thanks to its synchronous and asynchronous feedback mechanisms. The study concludes with pedagogical implications for the use of CMC technologies in EFL classrooms and suggestions for future research.

A systematic review of computer-mediated communications in Chinese as a foreign language from 2008 to 2022: Research contexts, theoretical foundations and methodology, affordances and limitations

The Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated how ubiquitous and pervasive technology to support communication and collaboration has become in people’s lives. This article seeks to provide an overview of the use of computer-mediated communication (CMC) in learning Chinese as a foreign language (CFL). The authors systematically reviewed 68 empirical research articles and 3 review articles published between 2008 and 2022 (early April). This in-depth review aims to investigate: (1) the characteristics of CMC-facilitated CFL learning in the worldwide context; (2) common theoretical foundations and methodological approaches; (3) CFL learners’ linguistic and intercultural communicative competence development through CMC; (4) affordances and limitations of CMC in the field of CFL research. Findings from this review suggest that the majority of studies were in formal education contexts within Anglosphere countries. The most commonly acknowledged theoretical foundations in CFL were well aligned with the wider second language acquisition (SLA) domain. A mixed-methods approach was the predominant methodological approach undertaken in the selected papers, with a small number of experimental or quasi-experimental studies between 2008 and 2022. The analysis also identified a clear research gap in relation to young CFL learners in the literature. The predominance of studies at ab initio level would suggest that more research is needed on younger CFL learners and on intermediate and advanced CFL learners using CMC. Additionally, the synthesized affordances of applying CMC technologies in CFL practice from this review were: (1) active engagement; (2) authentic communication; (3) learner centeredness; and (4) opportunities for practice and discovery. By addressing technological and individual CMC implementation limitations in a CFL context, suggestions and recommendations about further research and teaching practice are highlighted in the conclusion section.

An HCI Research Agenda for Online Science Communication

Social media, blogs, podcasts, and other computer-mediated communication technology have become an integral way for the public to access and engage with research. However, despite the evolving challenges researchers face navigating these platforms, and the high stakes of online science communication, relatively little HCI research has focused on understanding and supporting online science communication through these participatory platforms. Through a review of the literature and a set of interviews with HCI researchers (n = 24), we identify challenges currently facing researchers who try to engage with the public about their work, and establish a research agenda for HCI to study, design, and evaluate technology to support science communication. Specifically, we advocate for the design of tools to support audience analytics, automated summary and outreach workflows, and providing quantitative and qualitative feedback about online outreach efforts, as well as additional research to elucidate the impacts of self-directed science communication efforts and the evolving roles of scientists on the participatory web. With shifting online platforms placing researchers in the role of advocates and participants in science communication, understanding and supporting these interactions is now more important than ever.

On Effective Utilization of Computer-Mediated Communication Technology in Network-Based Foreign Language Teaching

The integration of computer-mediated communication and language teaching has been a common practice in the higher institutes internationally. The effective application of computer-mediated communication (CMC) in network-based foreign language teaching depends on the optimal balance between the use of teaching methods, teaching sources, and teaching means in a specific learning environment. Based on the current literature research on CMC, this paper mainly introduces the CMC in foreign language learning from its time characteristics, compares the language generation under synchronous and asynchronous CMC, and discusses and analyzes the setting of teaching tasks and the application of CMC in teaching practice, as well as the possible technical availability problems.

Generational differences in handling technology interruptions: a qualitative study

ABSTRACT Digital native and digital immigrant user types characterise the differences between those who grew up in a world of ubiquitous information systems and those who pre-date it. The rise in computer-mediated communication (CMC) technologies such as emails, text messages, and social media creates more opportunities for interruptions. Researchers have explored the impact of growing up in a world of technology. However, little research has explored the potential differences between digital natives and digital immigrants handling technology interruptions. This paper uses a qualitative approach to examine the extent to which individuals handle CMC interruptions differently based on the role of technology and its level of pervasiveness in the environment in which they grew up. Thirty-three interviews were conducted with individuals from different population groups based on age and gender to understand how technology interruptions are handled in work and social life. The findings support existing pre- and post-technology interruption frameworks and explain how and why generational differences exist in the process of CMC interruption handling. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Can Your Audit Team Effectively Multitask? It Might Depend on How They Communicate

SUMMARYThis article summarizes Sidgman, Brown, and Brazel (2021) which demonstrates that, when multitasking, the performance of audit teams communicating in-person is greater than the performance of teams using computer-mediated communication (discussion boards and chatrooms). In the audit setting, multitasking is unavoidable and pervasive; in-person communication is not always an option. To facilitate multitasking, engagement team communications have extended in-person interactions to computer-mediated communication (CMC) technologies. However, little is known about the performance of multitasking teams under these alternative modes of communication (in-person, discussion boards, and chatrooms). Contrary to expectations, we find that participants' familiarity with, and preference for, chatroom features (similar to text messaging) may have offset the benefits previously attributed to discussion boards (similar to email). This finding is timely, given the pandemic-induced environment of remote and hybrid work, as it informs practitioners on audit teams' multitasking effectiveness while using CMC.

Conversation and transcription activities with synchronous video computer-mediated communication: A classroom investigation

As much second language (L2) teaching and learning continues to move online, teachers are increasingly seeking out creative ways to integrate synchronous video computer-mediated communication (SVCMC) technologies such as Zoom and Skype with other types of activities. The current study investigates this issue by exploring pedagogical activities used in a university's existing L2 Spanish program, as it instituted a requirement for its L2 learners to engage in SVCMC conversations. In the study, learners (N = 35) first engaged in SVCMC conversations with L1 Spanish speakers using TalkAbroad. Then learners completed a transcription activity in which they reflected on their conversations. Using a cognitive-interactionist approach, we investigate the L2 learning potential of these activities by examining: the types of focus on form that occurred in learners' SVCMC sessions; the correspondence between the SVCMC interactions and learners' transcriptions; and the relationship between students' interactions, their focus on form, and their transcriptions, when compared with students' self-reported noticing and learning of linguistic items. Findings suggest that SVCMC can provide opportunities for various types of focus on form that might promote L2 development. Transcription can also lead to self-reported noticing of L2 linguistic features.

The Efficacy of Computer-Mediated Feedback in Improving L2 Speaking: A Systematic Review

Recent trends in computer-mediated communication (CMC) have led to a proliferation of studies investigating the effect of computer-mediated feedback (CMF). The present systematic review aimed to explore the role of linguistic, contextual, and individual factors in mediating the impact of CMF on second language (L2) speaking performance. A literature search located 16 relevant empirical studies for the final analysis. Each study was coded for linguistic, contextual, and individual characteristics. First, CMF was theoretically conceptualized as an instructional input, a dialogic process, and an internal process based on theoretical underpinnings. Correspondingly, CMF was analyzed under the influence of 1) linguistic factors including feedback type, the linguistic focus of CMF, and the timing of CMF, 2) contextual factors including the feedback source and the task type, and 3) individual factors including individual differences and learners’ proficiency levels. The implication of the study was twofold. Theoretically, this study not only provided a multi-dimension view towards the effect of CMF in developing L2 oral proficiency but also shed new light on the interrelations between these identified factors. Pedagogically, teachers were encouraged to take advantage of CMC technologies to enhance the effectiveness of CMF as well as considering learners’ uniqueness. Suggestions for future research were also provided.

Online Intercultural Dialogue: “Failed” Communication in a Telecollaboration Project

Over the past two decades, the development of computer-mediated communication technologies has modified human communication. Increasingly, representatives from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds are disposed to a constant negotiation of meanings. The main purpose of this study is to carry out a linguistically grounded analysis of the intercultural dialogue during online asynchronous written exchanges between Latvian and Cypriot students.Based on the politeness theory of Brown and Levinson (1987), which implies that all adult members of society are endowed with two universal aspects: “positive face” and “negative face”, and using the methods of content analysis and discourse analysis, this research analyses the way learners communicate or hide their position concerning sensitive cultural issues. To attain the objective of the present research, a quantitative and qualitative experimental study was conducted. The learners’ public messages in the discussion forums were juxtaposed with their private messages concerning proposed cultural topics. The findings show a strong interdependence between the politeness strategies used by the learners and the intercultural issue discussed. Thus, online intercultural discussions can be qualified as context-dependent and content-dependant. Discussion forum does not seem to be an appropriate environment to facilitate and encourage intercultural discussions about potentially controversial issues.

Assessing Psychological Effects of Cyberbullying on the Adolescents of a Cosmopolitan City

The popularity of computer-mediated communication and cyber technology has created many new vices in society that obstruct the development of adolescents. One such vice is cyberbullying, which is an insidious and covert form of bullying. The present paper opts to scrutinise cyberbullying's psychological effects on the victim teenagers of minority communities of a cosmopolitan city. Confirmatory factor analysis, for testing the Psychological Effect of Cyberbullying Scale (PECS) comprising 24 direct item pool, was employed to unfold Mild Psychological Effect Scale (MPES) and Intense Psychological Effect Scale (IPES). Cross validating the initial factor structure was conducted with the help of developing standardised coefficient for the two factor model for PECS. Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient values are above 0.09 for the items of both the Mild Psychological Effect Scale (MPES) and Intense Psychological Effect Scale (IPES). Based on purposive sampling, the study found that all the items taken for conducting the survey are highly co-related to the psychological impact of the victim teens of the minority community of the cosmopolitan city. So the PECS developed for measuring the effect has significance. Study results also indicate that the PECS can serve as a valuable tool for measuring the mental impact of cyberbullying among teenagers.

The Multitasking Audit Environment: The Effect of Alternative Modes of Communication on Team Performance

ABSTRACTDespite the considerable evidence suggesting multitasking reduces performance, multitasking is unavoidable and pervasive in the audit setting. Members of engagement teams are often required to work on multiple engagements simultaneously and their work on one engagement is frequently interrupted due to the demands of another engagement. In hopes of facilitating multitasking, engagement team communications have extended beyond face-to-face interactions to computer-mediated communication technologies. However, little is known about the performance of multitasking teams under these alternative modes of communication (face-to-face, discussion board, and chatroom). Our study demonstrates that, when multitasking, the performance of audit teams communicating face-to-face is greater than the performance of teams using computer-mediated communication. While we expected enhanced team performance with discussion boards, additional analyses reveal that participants' familiarity with, and preference for, chatroom features (which are similar to texting) may have offset the benefits prior studies have attributed to discussion boards (which are similar to emailing).

Understanding of the Quality of Computer-Mediated Communication Technology in the Context of Business Planning

Aim/Purpose: This study seeks to uncover the perceived quality factors of computer-mediated communication in business planning in which communication among teammates is crucial for collaboration. Background: Computer-mediated communication has made communicating with teammates easier and more affordable than ever. What motivates people to use a particular CMC technology during business planning is a major concern in this research. Methodology: This study seeks to address the issues by applying the concept of Information Product Quality (IPQ). Based on 21 factors derived from an extensive literature review on Information Product Quality (IPQ), an experimental study was conducted to identify the factors that are perceived as most relevant. Contribution: The findings in this study will help developers find a more customer-oriented approach to developing CMC technology design, specifically useful in collaborative work, such as business planning. Findings: This study extracted the three specific quality factors to use CMC technology in business planning: informational, physical, and service. Future Research: Future research will shed more light on the generality of these findings. Future studies should be extended to other population and contextual situations in the use of CMC.

English

English

A Grounded Theory on Conflict Management in Long-Distance Relationships

The literature on interpersonal conflict management is already extensive and theories have been forwarded since the 1960s. However, these theories were created with proximal couples in mind. They do not address the situation of partners in long-distance relationships (LDRs). Thus, a grounded theory study was done among 10 Filipinos in LDRs. They were individually interviewed for about an hour per session and the interviews were transcribed. The transcriptions were then subjected to open coding, which yielded 18 open codes. During the selective coding, these were pared down to five categories. Their relationships were identified during the theoretical coding, which resulted in a grounded theory on conflict management in LDRs. This theory posits that the reason for the LDR; long-term relationship plans; communication practices; and the values, behaviors, and other attributes of the couple all shape long-distance conflicts. The computer-mediated communication technologies used by the long-distance couples were factors in relational maintenance.

Effectiveness of Immersive Virtual Reality-based Communication for Construction Projects

Though computer-mediated communication technologies such as immersive virtual reality (IVR) have recently shown considerable promise, their effectiveness as methods of communication among the participants in construction projects has yet to be systematically investigated. This study helps fill this gap via a detailed comparison of traditional face-to-face (FtF) discussion of Building Information Modeling (BIM) information displayed on a monitor screen against IVR-based communication with BIM information embedded in the immersive environment. The results of experiments in which groups of participants discussed and chose optimal design options indicated that there is no large statistical difference in IVR-based and FtF communication in terms of discussion quality (level of effectiveness and satisfaction experienced), communication richness (detailed responses and vivid messages), and openness (enjoyableness and open-mindedness) during the communication. However, for the accuracy of communication (information communicated correctly and understood properly), FtF communication was better than IVR-based communication, which is assumed due to weak human-human to interaction in IVR. In addition, the communication appropriateness (behavioral acts such as politeness or social norms), IVR-based communication was significantly less than FtF communication, indicating that communicating with others only seeing virtual avatar could make it difficult to discern participant’ reactions or identify appropriate moments to speak. These results could confirm certain advantages of adopting IVR-based communication while further improvement for real-like interaction between people needs to be made for more effective use of IVR communication.

Talking a team into being in online workplace collaborations: The discourse of virtual work

Digital communication technologies led to a revolution in how people interact at work: relying on computer-mediated communication technologies is now a must, rather than an alternative. This empirical study investigates how colleagues in a virtual team use synchronous online communication platform in the workplace. Inspired by the conceptualisation of web-based communication platforms as tool, place or context of social construction, we explore the discursive strategies that contribute to the construction of the team’s shared sense of purpose and identity, a collegial atmosphere and consequently lead to effective collaboration. The close analyses of real-life data from a multinational workplace provide insights into the everyday communication practices of virtual team members. Our findings supplement organisational literature based on etic observations of the effectiveness of virtual work and provide a basis for further theorisations about how communication technologies affect the ecology of and discourse practices in computer-mediated communication at work.

Analyzing public opinions on death penalty abolishment

A meme consists of any words or images in a text that can be replicated across communicators in the exchange of information. This study tests the Multilevel Model of Meme Diffusion (M3D) in a case study in the digital electronic technology that captures the controversial opinions regarding death penalty abolishment in Nebraska. The objective is to demonstrate that an internet-based study using social media data can be used to analyze and predict social processes engaging with phenomena in real space. The authors utilize the meme death_penalty in Twitter texts to predict public perception of death penalty abolishment in Nebraska. The M3D theory integrates the fields of geography and computer-mediated communication technology to explain and predict public opinion on the death penalty.

Multilevel model of meme diffusion of fracking through Twitter

The recent identification of potentially extensive shale-gas resources within the United States has generated mixed public and political responses. The purpose of this study is to apply the Multilevel Model of Meme Diffusion (M3D) in an empirical case study of the fracking controversy. This analysis supports the heuristic value of the M3D and the value of digital technologies as indexes of controversial opinions, showing the potential of monitoring and registering social opinion trends with geospatially sensitive methods. This study integrates the fields of geography and computer-mediated communication technology to account for social processes.

Culture, trust and business ecosystems: the mediating role of online chat in China

This paper analyses the case of Taobao (the B2C and C2C platform of Alibaba Group), the 'focal firm' in a large online shopping ecosystem in China. The study attempts to reframe the business ecosystem considering the impact of cultural dimensions. Findings show that in a society with strong culture of guanxi and collectivism, a computer-mediated online communication tool works as a surrogate for real-life experience of socially binding behaviours to organise ecosystem stakeholders such as online marketplace owners, customers and sellers. The perception of collectivism affects the effectiveness of the communication tool, which, in turn, facilitates trust building between sellers and buyers. The result is unique and tied to a society dominated by guanxi and collectivism, and shows how it addresses socio-cultural needs through a computer-mediated communication technology.