Computer mediated communication, known as CMC is used to describe all types of communication using cyberspase. This kind of communication is processed by different tools provided by internet such as blogs, chats, emails, services for instant messaging, social networks and others.
CMC opened a new path for creating and maintaining relationships between individuals. Through internet people are able to talk and share their intimacy. It is obvious that cyberspace significantly changed our understanding of communication. Along with the progress of technology certain social concepts evolved including communication. Today it is possible to communicate instantly with individuals who are thousands of miles away. It is also possible to instantly end a relationship without face to face contact. This altered way of communication disabled sending and perceiving nonverbal signals. The understanding that communication is transactional which means that it allows sending both verbal and nonverbal messages is not accurate in the case of CMC. There are no other sent messages than verbal ones and the time of messaging can also be delayed due to internet mediator which is used.
Depending on the length of time needed for feedback there are two types of CMC. One is called Asynchronous and the other Synchronous. Email is one of the types of asynchronous communication. This means that a person can send an email whenever it is convenient for him and the response to that email can be delayed for a significant period of time and sometimes the response will never be received. This type of CMC is also present in blogs or newsgroups since the members can send a message whenever they want. Synchronous CMC includes direct communication with others which usually includes instant messaging. The communication is in this case fast and often includes abbreviations which can lead to misunderstandings (Thorne, 2008).
Reference:
Thorne, S. L. (2008). Computer-mediated communication. Encyclopedia of language and education, 4, 325-336.
