Computer-Mediated Communication: A Theoretical and Practical Introduction to Online Human Communication

by Caleb T. Carr Illinois State University

Overview

As so much of our human interaction passes through digital channels, it is essential to understand how being online influences how we communicate with others and ourselves. This textbook introduces students to the fundamental concepts, theories, and applications of computer-mediated communication. Building a foundational understanding of CMC theories, such as CFO, SIP, SIDE, and hyperpersonal, Caleb T. Carr introduces as framework students may use to understand human communication across all digital channels—including those that have yet to exist!

Computer-Mediated Communication explores how CMC intersects with and affects other communication subdisciplines, including interpersonal, organizational, and intergroup. Contemporary examples illustrate theories and application, but the text is written to allow and encourage students to think about their own media use in a broader and channel-agnostic mindset, applying what they learn beyond just Instagram and Snapchat, to make sense of their modern and digital world.

The focus on the theoretical processes that underlay human communication online helps the book remain current with emerging technologies. Theoretical approach is complemented and made accessible with real-world examples, immediate ways to apply knowledge, and a conversational and approachable writing style.

Features of this text include

• Research in Brief boxes introduce individual CMC studies
• Chapter objectives
• End of chapter review questions and key terms
• Cumulative glossary

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781538131725
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	04/29/2021
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	348
Sales rank:	973,705
File size:	13 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Caleb T. Carr is associate professor in the School of Communication at Illinois State University. His research addresses how new media alter communicative processes, including how social media are used for organizational uncertainty reduction, in group collaborations, and to create and maintain identity online.

Table of Contents

Part I. Infrastructure
1. What is the Internet?
2. The Nature of Computer Mediated Communication

Part II. Theories
3. Impersonal Communication Theories
4. Interpersonal Communication Theories
5. Group Communication Theories

Part III. Contexts
6. Organizational Communication
7. Group Communication
8. Interpersonal Communication
9. Intrapersonal Communication

Part IV. Applications

10. Social Media

11. Video Games
12. Advertising & Public Relations
13. Politics
14. The Future

Editorial Reviews

A must-read book of computer-mediated communication! If you want to study the latest “it” phenomenon, this is the go-to-book with comprehensive knowledge incorporating development of theories and the latest terms. The most updated and thorough knowledge of computer-mediated communication with easy-reading tone is all here in this book!

JihHsuan Tammy Lin

This book is a much-needed addition to the area of CMC that goes beyond an introduction and provides students with real-world, practical applications of the concepts covered. Carr offers a unique, refreshing take that draws upon CMC’s rich historical and theoretical foundations to orient students to the diversity of forms and functions of online interaction. Through clear, comprehensive, and easy-to-understand sections, this book should be of interest to both those who teach CMC as well as those wanting a well thought out initiation into it.

Artemio Ramirez

Professor Carr has provided a theoretically-rich and comprehensive review of computer-mediated communication research. The book spans a variety of important topics from the history of the Internet and early days of computer-mediated communication research to issues such as the digital divide, cybersurveillance, and the future of online communication. Moreover, the book masterfully synthesizes a large and diverse body of computer-mediated communication studies across multiple contexts, including intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, and political communication. This book should become an important resource for researchers and students interested in computer-mediated communication in its many varied forms.

Kevin B. Wright

The most comprehensive overview of the field of computer-mediated communication (CMC) - from the classic theories from the early days of the internet to phenomena like lightweight interactions on social media. The book is nevertheless timeless because it focuses on properties of CMC rather than specific technologies. A great resource for students!

Sonja Utz

Carr offers a carefully crafted introductory text to help students and other readers get the most out of computer-mediated communication…. Carr begins with a clear definition of computer-mediated communication as a distinct field of research…and concludes with thoughtful examination of how the still-emerging tools of digital connectivity shape the nature of our interactions from small to large scales. True to the author's promise at the outset, this text provides a user-friendly overview of the current scholarship devoted to online communication and its relationship to the broader sociocultural environment, where communicating online has become a routine in both work and leisure. As Carr indicates, the book was written primarily for college students interested in communication and digital media. That said, given the important topics addressed and the author's superior presentation skills, the book will certainly be useful to audiences beyond academe. Recommended.

Choice Reviews

Carr offers a carefully crafted introductory text to help students and other readers get the most out of computer-mediated communication…. Carr begins with a clear definition of computer-mediated communication as a distinct field of research…and concludes with thoughtful examination of how the still-emerging tools of digital connectivity shape the nature of our interactions from small to large scales. True to the author's promise at the outset, this text provides a user-friendly overview of the current scholarship devoted to online communication and its relationship to the broader sociocultural environment, where communicating online has become a routine in both work and leisure. As Carr indicates, the book was written primarily for college students interested in communication and digital media. That said, given the important topics addressed and the author's superior presentation skills, the book will certainly be useful to audiences beyond academe. Recommended.

Choice

Carr offers a carefully crafted introductory text to help students and other readers get the most out of computer-mediated communication.... Carr begins with a clear definition of computer-mediated communication as a distinct field of research...and concludes with thoughtful examination of how the still-emerging tools of digital connectivity shape the nature of our interactions from small to large scales. True to the author's promise at the outset, this text provides a user-friendly overview of the current scholarship devoted to online communication and its relationship to the broader sociocultural environment, where communicating online has become a routine in both work and leisure. As Carr indicates, the book was written primarily for college students interested in communication and digital media. That said, given the important topics addressed and the author's superior presentation skills, the book will certainly be useful to audiences beyond academe. Recommended.

Professor Carr has provided a theoretically-rich and comprehensive review of computer-mediated communication research. The book spans a variety of important topics from the history of the Internet and early days of computer-mediated communication research to issues such as the digital divide, cybersurveillance, and the future of online communication. Moreover, the book masterfully synthesizes a large and diverse body of computer-mediated communication studies across multiple contexts, including intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, and political communication. This book should become an important resource for researchers and students interested in computer-mediated communication in its many varied forms.

The most comprehensive overview of the field of computer-mediated communication (CMC) - from the classic theories from the early days of the internet to phenomena like lightweight interactions on social media. The book is nevertheless timeless because it focuses on properties of CMC rather than specific technologies. A great resource for students!

A must-read book of computer-mediated communication! If you want to study the latest "it" phenomenon, this is the go-to-book with comprehensive knowledge incorporating development of theories and the latest terms. The most updated and thorough knowledge of computer-mediated communication with easy-reading tone is all here in this book!

This book is a much-needed addition to the area of CMC that goes beyond an introduction and provides students with real-world, practical applications of the concepts covered. Carr offers a unique, refreshing take that draws upon CMC's rich historical and theoretical foundations to orient students to the diversity of forms and functions of online interaction. Through clear, comprehensive, and easy-to-understand sections, this book should be of interest to both those who teach CMC as well as those wanting a well thought out initiation into it.

From the Publisher