Computer-mediated communication

1. An interesting concept presented by Walther is the selective self-presentation in which "an individual accentuates certain matters and conceals others". Moreover, the lack of physical cues in computer-mediated communication (CMC) enables us to concentrate and hence better control the verbal and linguistic cues. Due to this minimal-cue interaction, CMC receivers further idealize the picture of CMC senders.

I am therefore wondering how one feels when meeting an online friend in the physical world. Are we bound to be disappointed and to realize that the online world can be deceiving? Or would we be glad to have discovered a person and recognize the barriers that physical appearance can sometimes create?

Unsurprisingly, the avatars in Second Life are "taller, thinner, and better equipped version of us". How does that affect communication in Second Life? Are people friendlier? Do they pay better attention to others? What about online harassments and assaults that are happening among avatars? Are people releasing their offline dissatisfaction into an online world where anonymity permits it?

2. Another interesting idea which I can more easily relate to my field of interest concerns computer-mediated social groups. Baym points out that in such environments "a response to a single person becomes a public good". This is also true in computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) environments. Students all benefit from another student’s advice or problem as they are likely to encounter similar difficulties. This kind of support definitely enhances their learning experience.

However, there is a difference between a social community and a CSCL environment. The former groups people together by specific shared interest whereas the latter consists of people with a need to learn. Would both be equally supportive?

"Online groups tend to be interpersonally supportive, even when they are not designed to be". Would that also be true in CSCL environments? Would students give information and advice to other students that they might never encounter?