Francis Mae N.

Manguilimotan November 5, 2021

Choose 2 of the 5 questions to answer:

1. What is computer-mediated communication and what is it not? Give examples and explain.

Computer-mediated communication can be defined as human communication that

happens with the use of electronic devices. Traditionally, this term has been used to refer
to communications that occur in computer-mediated formats like social networking sites
(SNS), emails, and chatrooms. The term CMC was also the study of individuals
communicating via computers or electronic devices at a fixed location or a desktop.
Research about CMC focuses on social outcomes of various computer-supported
communication technologies involving internet-based social networking. Take for
example the popular forms of CMC like video, audio, chat, and e-mail. In video chatting,
you can interact in real time with a bunch of people. With the 2020 pandemic, video
meetings are essential for class interaction. CMC at its core makes it easy for individuals
to take part in communication with others regardless of constraints to time and location.

2. How can CMC help articulate the intersection between communication subfields (e.g.
organizational, intergroup, interpersonal, etc.?

It has been established that CMC covers various means of human interaction and
communication, most notably in the digital age. Through studying CMC, the intersection
between the various subfields of communication is much clearer and comprehensible
with its interconnectedness. Because it uses varying digital channels, bridging the gap of
the communication subfields through the study of CMC is easier, faster, and much more
convenient.

3. What is masspersonal communication? How do CMC tools enable mass personal communication
more readily than offline channels?

Masspersonal communication is defined as a recent mass communication phenomenon

that combines mass communication means with interpersonal relationships and
communication. Hence, we can also define masspersonal media as social media
platforms, like Facebook which enable personal interactions with a large audience in
addition to single individuals. The CMC tools such as desktop computers, mobile phones,
laptops and tablets enable masspersonal communication quickly and easily in online
channels than in offline ones. With online channels, chat messages and emails are
immediately received in under a few minutes of sending them. In this day and age,
communication through these means are much more convenient and efficient.

4. Does technology guide how society develops or does society decide how to use and integrate a new
technology? Based on your response, explain the current role of YouTube/Facebook/Twitter/TicToc
in society?

Technology has been a driving force in the development of our society. The scientific
knowledge evolving over the centuries has paved the way for humans to have easier and
 better lives. Gone are the days where months or years are needed to travel to certain
places. Now, it only takes days or a few hours. This also applies to communication
purposes. With the invention of the telephone and over the decades, smartphones,
communication has been more unchallenging. In my opinion, technology is the one
guiding society in their development. Technological advancements are ever-growing, and
this leads to society adapting to them. In the 21st century, the popular social media
platforms are YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok. These platforms provide a virtual
connection to family, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers. It also presents
entertainment to the users where they can view and share certain stuff. Most people have
been dependent on these applications for enjoyment, building connections, and work.
With this, one can say that these social media platforms are now an integral part of
society.

5. CMC as convergence and CMC as divergence are two topics which are relevant today. How can
each be used as a lens to understand phenomena within relationships, intergroup, education,
publications, etc?
In recent years, the use of computers and various means of mediated interactions have
been the staple of both personal and professional lives. Situating the role of CMC as a
converging phenomenon helps us in understanding, isolating, and probing the facets of
human interaction in the communication discipline. CMC acts as a bridge between
subfields and has a distinct role in connecting different sub disciplines. Studying CMC
allows us to go beyond the borders and different cultures, giving opportunities to
understand intercultural relationships communication. In short, CMC explains and
unpacks the phenomena between relationships, human communication, and even the
society itself. Whereas CMC as divergence sets itself apart from the nature of just being
online. It looks at the other parts of the communication discipline and explores how
society adapts to the various means of communication and also take advantage of the
various channels and cues available provided. In this sense, CMC can be a unique
subfield through various communication possibilities that while possible in offline
settings, can still be relevant and usable.