Computer Mediated Communication and Online Interactions

A collection of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on computer-mediated communication and online interactions.

Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC)

Human communication that occurs through digital devices and platforms, facilitated by technology rather than face-to-face contact.

Online Disinhibition Effect

The phenomenon where people behave more freely or aggressively online than they would in face-to-face settings.

Trolling

Intentional online behavior aimed at provoking emotional reactions, disrupting discussions, or causing distress.

Cyberbullying

Repeated, intentional aggression conducted through digital media, targeting an individual who has difficulty defending themselves.

Online Aggression

Hostile or harmful behaviors conducted through digital platforms.

Remote Communication

Interaction occurring without physical presence, often mediated by digital tools.

Asynchronous Communication

Communication where responses can be delayed, such as emails or comments.

Synchronous Communication

Real-time communication where responses are immediate, such as chats or video calls.

Psychological Implications of CMC

Includes easier self-disclosure, increased misunderstandings, altered social norms, and reduced social accountability.

Cognitive Load

The total amount of mental effort being used in the working memory, often affected by digital communication.

Verbal Abuse

A form of online aggression that involves the use of harsh language and insults aimed at others.

Echo Chambers

Situations where individuals are exposed only to information that reinforces their own beliefs, often facilitated by online interactions.

Digital Literacy

The ability to effectively find, evaluate, use, and create information using digital technologies.

Bystander Intervention

Actions by individuals who witness online harassment or cyberbullying, to help or intervene.

Social Identity Theory

A theory that explains behavior in groups, suggesting that individuals derive part of their identity from group membership, which influences online behavior.

Emotional Distancing

The psychological state in which individuals feel disconnected from emotions, often exacerbated by online interactions.

Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC)

Human communication that occurs through digital devices and platforms, facilitated by technology rather than face-to-face contact.

Online Disinhibition Effect

The phenomenon where people behave more freely or aggressively online than they would in face-to-face settings.

Trolling

Intentional online behavior aimed at provoking emotional reactions, disrupting discussions, or causing distress.

Cyberbullying

Repeated, intentional aggression conducted through digital media, targeting an individual who has difficulty defending themselves.

Online Aggression

Hostile or harmful behaviors conducted through digital platforms.

Remote Communication

Interaction occurring without physical presence, often mediated by digital tools.

Asynchronous Communication

Communication where responses can be delayed, such as emails or comments.

Synchronous Communication

Real-time communication where responses are immediate, such as chats or video calls.

Psychological Implications of CMC

Includes easier self-disclosure, increased misunderstandings, altered social norms, and reduced social accountability.

Cognitive Load

The total amount of mental effort being used in the working memory, often affected by digital communication.

Verbal Abuse

A form of online aggression that involves the use of harsh language and insults aimed at others.

Echo Chambers

Situations where individuals are exposed only to information that reinforces their own beliefs, often facilitated by online interactions.

Digital Literacy

The ability to effectively find, evaluate, use, and create information using digital technologies.

Bystander Intervention

Actions by individuals who witness online harassment or cyberbullying, to help or intervene.

Social Identity Theory

A theory that explains behavior in groups, suggesting that individuals derive part of their identity from group membership, which influences online behavior.

Emotional Distancing

The psychological state in which individuals feel disconnected from emotions, often exacerbated by online interactions.

Benign Disinhibition

A positive aspect of the online disinhibition effect where people share personal information or act with unusual kindness and generosity.

Toxic Disinhibition

A negative aspect of the online disinhibition effect characterized by the use of rude language, harsh criticisms, anger, and threats.

Social Presence Theory

The degree to which a communication medium allows users to feel the presence of the other person in the interaction.

Media Richness Theory

A framework that ranks communication media based on their ability to reproduce information, such as nonverbal cues and immediate feedback.

Flaming

The act of posting or sending offensive or hostile messages over the internet, often in response to a perceived provocation.

Doxxing

The malicious practice of researching and publicly broadcasting private or identifying information about an individual.

Catfishing

The act of creating a deceptive or fake online persona to lure someone into a relationship or for other fraudulent purposes.

Reduced Social Cues Theory

A theory suggesting that because digital communication lacks physical cues, social norms may break down, leading to more uninhibited behavior.