A longitudinal experiment on relational tone in computer-mediated and face to face interaction

Prior experiments on computer-mediated communication have suggested depersonalizing effects of the medium, while field studies report warmer personal relations. Past research is criticized for failing to incorporate temporal and developmental perspectives on social information processing and relational development, and for omitting nonverbal cues in comparisons between conditions. 192 coders evaluated relational communication of 16 computer-mediated and 16 traditional groups over time. Mediated groups exhibited greater intimacy and social-orientation than did face-to-face groups. Boundaries on previous theories of computer-mediated communication are recommended, and research using temporal and nonverbal variables is suggested.<
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