The Social Contexts of Computer-mediated Communication

by Martin Lea

Computer-mediated communication systems (CMCS) provide communication between individuals and groups in different physical locations via interconnected computers, and there is widespread acceptance by researchers and systems developers of the need to understand the complex relationship between social factors, system design and system usage. This book brings together the writings of researchers in the field and focuses on the reciprocal relationship between CMC and the varied social contexts in which it is used. It challenges the narrowly deterministic view prevalent in much existing literature, and it demonstrates how social context is represented both intentionally and unintentionally. The potential effects of CMC in such areas as group decision-making, education, homeworking, minority groups and organizations are discussed from this social perspective. Linguistic, communication science, social psychological and sociological approaches are all represented.

250 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 1992