Study Notes on Communication and Technology

Communication and Technology

Definition and Scope

  • Communication and technology research focuses on the social implications of emergent communication technologies, including but not limited to:

    • World Wide Web

    • E-mail

    • Mobile phones

    • Social media (social networking sites, microblogs)

  • Central inquiries include:

    • Consequences of communication technologies on personal relationships

    • Impact of communication technologies on health communication

    • Utilization of communication technologies within workplace settings

    • Effects of communication technologies on political communication

  • This field intersects various areas of communication research, involving scholars from interpersonal communication, health communication, political communication, small group communication, and mass media, emphasizing the diverse contexts of study.

Contexts of Study

  • The examination of communication technologies is particularly pertinent in two specific fields:

    • Personal Relationships

    • Research investigates implications for:

      • Formation of relationships

      • Maintenance of relationships

      • Dissolution of relationships

    • Key questions include:

      • How does computer-mediated communication (e.g., e-mail, instant messaging) influence impressions of others?

      • Do social network websites help to sustain relationships that may otherwise end?

      • What are the motivations and outcomes of using text messaging as a method to terminate relationships?

    • Through exploring these questions, research elucidates the usage and consequences of communication technologies in personal interactions.

    • Health Communication

    • Research in this area encompasses a variety of topics, primarily:

      • Searching for health information online

      • Communicating with healthcare providers via digital means

      • Acquiring social support during illness

    • Essential inquiries involve:

      • How do individuals utilize the World Wide Web to obtain health information?

      • What role does e-mail play in the patient-provider relationship?

      • Are online support groups effective for individuals coping with illness?

    • Scholars aim to answer these questions to better understand the implications of communication technologies in health-related contexts.

Growth and Future of the Field

  • Communication and technology is recognized as a relatively new sub-field within communication studies.

  • Historical context indicates initial research traces back to the late 1970s and early 1980s.

  • Significant growth in scholarship was noted within the last decade, primarily influenced by:

    • Innovations such as mobile phones

    • Expansion and popularity of social media platforms

  • The rapid evolution of this research area presents promising prospects for future studies in communication scholarship.

Conclusion

  • Overall, research in communication and technology explores critical social dimensions of our increasingly digital communication landscape.

  • Ongoing inquiries aim to understand the ramifications of these technologies on key aspects of life, including personal relationships and health communication.

  • The intersection of technology and communication holds much potential for advancing scholarly discussions and practical applications.