Early CMC Theory

Technology determinism

A social theory stating that a society's technology is the primary driving force shaping its culture, values, social structures, and history

Social constructivism

A learning theory stating that humans create knowledge and meaning through social interaction, language, and culture

Adaptive structuration theory

A communication framework that explains how groups and organizations interact with technology and social structures during decision-making

Social presence theory

Communication effectiveness depends on how much a medium allows people to feel a psychological sense of being physically present and connected with each other

Lack of social context cues theory

A communication model proposing that text-based digital communication strips away nonverbal and contextual information, leading to impersonal or uninhibited interactions

Media richness theory

Evaluates communication channels by their ability to transmit data without loss or misinterpretation.

Computers as social actors paradigm

A theoretical framework stating that humans automatically and unconsciously apply human social rules, norms, and stereotypes to computers and digital technologies