Computer Mediated Communication Research Paper
1.0 Introduction
In this savvy days, technological innovations and internet has radically emerged and been introduced in many places such as classrooms and workplaces. Technological change is one major aspect which has influenced the communication approaches in the organisations, especially the practice of new communication technology in young adult communication.
In this century of information and communication technologies (ICT), the primary infrastructure that every organisations and society need to be equipped with is a computer-mediated communication. Moreover, with the adoption of communication software, it helps the flow of communication among them. The usage of computer-mediated communication has significantly changed the way …show more content…
of organisations, society and especially young adult on how they communicate with each other.
In this research, what I want to expose is where the study shows how young adult think about communication by using computer-mediated communication and face-to-face interaction and how this have been affect their lives. However, the traditional way, face-to-face communication and the technology advancement, computer-mediated technology have been make our life complicated because we are uncertainty of using one of it as the best way to communicate. On the other hand, by the end of this research we will know what the consequences that youth faced by opting one type of the communications in their interpersonal communication. As advanced, this research can be a reference for the future as it will help new generation understand the importance of computer-mediated communication and face-to-face communication.
1.1 Background of Study
Begley (2004) claimed that face-to-face remains the most powerful human interaction, never replace intimacy and immediacy of people conversing in the same room. (Heller 2010) agreed that currently, the face-to-face communication method is a superior method of communication for many business and organizational related activities. But also expecting for the computer-mediated communication will be playing a larger role in business, learning, and collaborative environments and in the way we travel for and structure work in the near future.
Organisations should recognize the importance of employee communication and the appropriate use of communication channels in employee communication. The selection of communication tools such as face-to-face and computer-mediated communications are based on how effective they are important in achieving the bottom line of the business goal and how they fit in a strategic internal communication process (Kalla, 2005).
(Crawford 2008) considers face-to-face communication as the most effective methods of communicating because honesty, clarity and in a time-relevant fashion is also included when communicating face-to-face. The intervention of technologies in communication is a sign of an approaching danger and face-to-face cannot be left to eclipse by technology (Sinickas, 2009).
1.2 Problem Statement
Crawford (2008) considers face-to-face communication as the most effective methods of communicating because honesty, clarity and in a time-relevant fashion is also included when communicating face-to-face. Back in the old days, human tends to talk directly face-to-face and from there, it is easy to see the honesty that comes with the words flying out from the mouth of an individual. However, with the rapid development of communication technologies these days has somehow affected the human communication methods. With the existence of various computer-mediated communication devices such as the smart phones, human beings are now able to communicate with one another even from a far distance. The intervention of technologies in communication is a sign of an approaching danger and face-to-face cannot be left to eclipse by technology (Sinickas 2009).
Moreover, Begley (2004) claimed that face-to-face remains the most powerful human interaction, never replace intimacy and immediacy of people conversing in the same room. With the intervention of the newly introduced technology in human communication routine, there have been talks on how the new abilities to talk from a far distance such as using a computer-mediated communication method. The ability to send a text messages or calling someone without having to see one another face to face may be misused by the young adults. Therefore, this research is made to identify young adult preferences toward the face-to-face and computer-mediated communications.
1.3 Theoretical Framework
1.3.1 Social Exchange Theory
Social exchange theory explains on how people arrive at decisions in a variety of situations based on human behaviour. The theory suggested that people seek the greatest amount of reward with the least amount of cost. This theoretical position argues that the major force in interpersonal relationships is the satisfaction of both people’s self-interest. Theorists in Social Exchange posit that self-interest is not necessarily a bad thing and that it can actually enhance relationships. The Social Exchange approach views interpersonal exchange posit that self-interest is not necessarily a bad thing and that it can actually enhance relationships. The Social Exchange approach views interpersonal exchanges as analogous to economic exchanges where people are satisfied when they receive a fair return on their expenditures.
1.4 Research Objectives
Research Objective 1 (RO1):
To determine the types of computer-mediated communication frequently used by the young adult.
Research Objective 2 (RO2):
To determine the young adult perceptions toward the importance of CMC in an interpersonal relationship. Research Objective 3 (RO3):
To determine the young adult perceptions toward the development of an interpersonal relationship through CMC.
Research Objective 4 (RO4):
To determine the consequences of opting one preferred type of communications over the other one in an interpersonal relationship.
1.5 Research Questions
Research Question 1 (RQ1):
What are the types of computer-mediated communication frequently used by the young adult?
Research Question 2 (RQ2):
What are the young adult perceptions toward the importance of CMC in an interpersonal relationship? Research Question 3 (RQ3):
What are the young adult perceptions toward the development of an interpersonal relationship through CMC? Research Question 4 (RQ4):
What are the consequences of opting one preferred type of communications over the other one in an interpersonal relationship?
1.6 RATIONALE AND SCOPE OF THE STUDY
1.6.1 Rationale
New technologies offer new gifts that humans have never experienced before. Therefore humans could have been easily loss in the seemingly borderless power offered by new technologies that enable them to communicate with anyone in anyplace in the world via online chatting. Having no control over these kinds of technology, it is important to warn the people about the side effects of using online chatting for too much that it declines the chances of face to face communication. Side effects will occur to almost anything in the world if it is being overuse for some purpose. Therefore, having control over one activity is essential in creating balance in everyday life. The study will also reveals the importance of maintaining a face-to-face communication without putting aside the usage of new technologies in our everyday life or otherwise in the case of face to face communication. The results of this study will certainly be vital to the society that cares about healthy lifestyle.
1.6.2 Scope of the Study
The study focuses on the young adult group interpersonal relationship that lives under the influence of Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) in the Flat PKNS, Jalan Plumbum,Seksyen 7, Selangor.
1.7 Significance of Study
The research is important in determining the actions taken by the younger generations in this modern era that is full of newborn technologies from day to day. It helps to determine whether new creations such as the rapidly developed communication devices are actually useful to humans, or simply a type of wasteful inventions aimed solely for entertainment purposes. The research is useful as references for future development of communication devices that will actually benefitted humans and as well as useful for other researchers for their studies in the communication field.
2.0 Literature Review
2.1 Conceptualization
i) Face-to-face communication
Face-to-face communication is described as a conversation that one has while being face to face with the other party. This type of communication allows a person to hear and see the non-verbal communication conveyed by the sender and respond with feedback straightaway. Face-to-face discussion also facilitates immediate feedback, contains visual and audio cues, act as a personal source and uses natural body languages in the process (Lee 2010).
ii) Computer-mediated communication
Computer-mediated communication is an inexpensive way of seeking information for increasing efficiency and productivity of interactive channel that allows its users to be active and able to engage in a two-way communication (Miller 2009).
iii) Young Adult
Cart (2010) stated that from Erikson (1950) that classified young adult in 8 consecutive stages of psychosocial development as any person between the ages of 20 – 40. Depending on their work, they could be an employee or a student.
2.2 Past Researches
2.2.1 Face-to-face communication
Face-to-face communication is faster, easier and more convenient than computer-mediated communication in the educational context. Face-to-face is also best to be used for communicating ambiguous tasks, making decision and completing complex tasks (An and Frick’s 2006). Baron (2010) reported suggestive differences in the ways male and female college students construct Instant Messaging (IM) conversations, and has tentatively concluded that male IMs more closely resemble speech, while female IMs more generally look like written discourse, and it has not explored reasons behind these differences or their implications.
Face-to-face interactions are best used for employees to build interpersonal relationships with their co-workers and also for them to transmit work instructions and daily operations to their fellow co-workers (Lee 2010). According to Johnson (2000), students preferred face-to-face communication to all forms of computer-mediated communication as face-to-face communication allows for non-verbal, personal information to transpire in a real time, synchronous setting. Regardless of the advantages that computer-mediated communication could have provided, the Face-to-face communication remains the most powerful human interaction as computer-mediated communication can never fully replace the intimacy and immediacy of people conversing in the same room (Begley 2004).
208 respondents of a study in 1998 for 3 years research has been interestingly showing that negative effects dissipated (Kraut 2002). They found that depressive symptoms significantly increased with Internet use during the first period, but significantly declined with Internet use during the second period. They also reported a second longitudinal study in 1998–1999 of 406 new computer and television purchasers. This sample generally experienced positive effects of using the Internet on communication, social involvement, and well-being. However, using the Internet predicted give better outcomes for extroverts (sociable people) and those with more social support, but can give worse outcomes for introverts and those with less support.
There are three explanations for the differential effects of Internet communication in the two periods and the two studies: maturation of participants between the early and late phases of the study, differences in samples between the two studies, and changes in the Internet itself. Among the three explanations, they considered a change of the Internet as the most parsimonious explanation. They argued that from 1995 to 1998, the number of Americans with access to the Internet at home more than quadrupled. As a result, many participants’ close family members and friends were likely to have obtained Internet access. The ease with which people could communicate with their strong ties increased with the transformation of the Internet into a ‘‘hospitable’’ place (Kraut 2002).
Moreover, there has been a strong connection between the new technology and the traditional way of communicating for human. Boase (2006) found that even with the flourishing of the Internet, people still commonly communicated with their social ties in traditional ways, in addition to the use of the Internet for social communication. They found that in-person encounters were most widely used, followed by landline phone, cell phone, email, and Instant Messaging (IM) communication. Far from being a medium that connects weaker ties in superficial ways, email was used more for maintaining core rather than significant ties.
Core ties are more often relied upon for seeking help than significant ties. But significant ties are composed of people more than acquaintances and can, at times, become important players in help-seeking. Boase (2006) also found out that people not only socialized online, but they incorporated the Internet into seeking information, exchanging advice, and making decisions. Americans may now have only one or two extremely close relationships, but dozens of core and significant ties in the ‘‘networked’’ community.
Besides that, face-to-face contact has four main features: it is an efficient communication technology; it can help solve incentive problems; it can facilitate socialization and learning; and it provides psychological motivation. We discuss each of these features in turn, and develop formal economic models of two of them. Face-to-face is particularly important in environments where information is imperfect, rapidly changing, and not easily codified, key features of many creative activities (Storper & Venables 2004).
Although face-to-face communication has long been the trusted mode of contact, it also has a number of disadvantages. Research suggests that minority expressions are lowered in face-to-face groups, inhibiting trust in heterogeneous groups and creating unequal participation among members. Facilitating face-to-face contact between co-workers or with clients is often unrealistic for certain organizations, as business travel is too costly (Storper & Venables, 2004). Duke (2001) stated that, no matter how important e-mails to human these days, they will never be able to completely replacing the face-to-face communication.
2.2.2 Computer-mediated communication
The mediated nature of computer-mediated communication provided greater manipulation and more careful construction of personal information; the delayed nature gives participants the chances to review, revise or cancel their communications before the information are sent (Heisler & Crabill, 2006). Computer-mediated communication (CMC) appears to help in solving problems by eliciting more focused, on-task and purposive communication (Jonanssen and Kwon 2001). Rhoads (2010) agreed that currently, the face-to-face communication method is a superior method of communication for many business and organizational-related activities. But also expecting for the computer-mediated communication will be playing a larger role in business, learning, and collaborative environments and in the way we travel for and structure work in future.
In this era of information and communication technologies (ICT), computer-mediated communication is a basic infrastructure that every individuals need to be equipped with. With the adoption of communication software, it helps the flow of communication among the individuals and its contacts. The usage of computer-mediated communication has significantly changed the way individuals and their co-workers communicate with each other. “The major developments in technology have found communication being mediated in a number of revolutionary new ways…communication was transformed in some way by enabling mass publication and far greater speed and distance” (Thurlow, Lengel & Tomic, 2004, p.26). In addition, Miller (2009) claimed that the range of technologies introduced to the workplace in recent years has impact on communication in organisations.
Lee, Leung, Lo, Xiong and Wu (2010) concluded their study by revealing that the use of the Internet for interpersonal communication is not the same as offline face-to-face communication in enhancing quality of life. Online communication has an adverse effect on people’s perceived life quality.
One study in 2006 revealed that nine in ten American teens (aged 12–17) were wired, and 89% of them used the Internet to send or read email while 75% sent or received instant messages. However, face-to-face time still surpassed screen time for teens. The average youth aged 12–17 reported spending 10.3 hours a week with friends doing social activities outside of school and about 7.8 hours talking with friends via technology such as telephone, email, instant messaging (IM) or text messaging (Lenhart 2007).
Due to its nature of being largely synchronous, anonymous, and mainly text-based, online chat offers a social interactional environment where people can experience the feeling of making new friends or acquaintances, psychologically experiment with different identities, and explore new relationships without the shyness that face-to-face interaction can bring (Gong & Ooi 2008).
Furthermore, Taiwo (2008) found out that the use of Short Message Service (SMS) is fast growing in Nigeria, just like in other parts of the world and this is leading to the gradual abandoning of the traditional oral culture, especially among the educated ones.
The selection of communication tools such as face-to-face and computer-mediated communications are based on how effective they are important in achieving the bottom-line of the business goal and how they fit in a strategic internal communication process (Kalla, 2005). With the adoption of new communication technologies in employee communication, it has increased the overall level of the organizational communication (Miller, 2009). Besides that, Turner (2010) stated that, people choices of interactions with communication technology are depending on their communication ecologies, which support a diverse set of tools to meet user needs.
Contemporary asynchronous technology such as emails often transmits messages in near-real time, and many users reply immediately, rendering the technologically asynchronous medium effectively synchronous. In the case of instant messaging (IM), the technology is designed to work synchronously, and it often is used asynchronously by college students (Baron, 2005). Users often comment on the informal speech like quality of the medium (Lee, 2002). Meanwhile, a persistent question intriguing Internet researchers has been whether the stylistic features of CMC are more like those of informal speech or paradigmatic writing (Herring 2007).
Recently, CMC research designs have become increasingly fine-tuned. Herring (2073) has found out the linguistic effects of gender and synchronicity in American CMC. Many forms of CMC reveal considerable stylistic variation, reflecting such considerations as user age and gender, level of user experience, communication function, and medium for composing and receiving a CMC message (Herring, 2007).
Dietz-Uhler and Clark (2001) found that when groups engaged in CMC followed by a face-to-face discussion, they perceived their interactions as more enjoyable than groups who did not engage in CMC prior to a face-to-face discussion.
Dietz-Uhler and Clark (2001) argue that this difference was attributable to the fact that CMC enables greater freedom of thought, in turn improving the dialogue.
In addition to cost and minority expression, CMC has a number of other advantages. CMC addresses time constraints as asynchronous technologies (with a delay between sender and recipient, such as email) allow users to communicate at any time and location with access to the technology (Dietz-Uhler & Clark, 2001. Moreover, CMC holds promising implications for recruitment. Generally speaking, Dietz-Uhler and Clark (2001) argue that CMC is a practical alternative to face-to-face communication, as participants report it to be enjoyable, effortful and valuable.
Coordinating with constituencies, the speed and ease of virtual communication can send a message of unimportance to the recipient (Storper & Venables, 2004). When communicating virtually, recipients may deduce that they are not significant enough to warrant the expense of face-to-face time. In general, Baltes (2002) argue that CMC groups are rarely more effective, take less time and are less satisfied than face-to-face
groups.
3.0 Methodology
3.1 Research Design
Quantitative research as selected samples will be given a set of questionnaires and the data collected from the samples will be analysed in order to get the findings. Quantitative research will also emphasize the size of the participant which it can be used to represent the population. The research design of the study will be the close ended questionnaires, and the samples will be given a set of answers for them to choose in order to help the researcher to predict the outcome of certain cases from the collected data. This is basically for the sake of getting expected results, closing the wide gap of answers which the respondents might have provided in the study, and also to avoid bias or unnecessary bad results for the findings
3.2 Location of the study
Flat PKNS, Jalan Plumbum, Seksyen 7, Selangor will be the location for the study as it is a residential area on where the people that lived there are familiar with the usage of computer-mediated communication (CMC).
3.3 Population & sampling techniques
Probability Random Sampling on where all of the potential samples in a population will have an equal chance to participate in the study that will be used in order to gain a non-biased result for the study. 60 set of questionnaires will be provided for 60 young adult samples in Flat PKNS, Jalan Plumbum, Seksyen 7, Selangor that will be participating in the survey. They will be randomly selected via random sampling as this might be able to avoid bias in the study. It is through this technique that all of the respondents will have equal chances for getting selected to participate in the study. The occurrence of the sampling error will be reduced via SPSS in order to get the results. This problem might occur only if the respondent did not answer the questionnaires given to them by providing a blank answer back to the researcher. The unusual findings via SPSS will also likely to happen if the respondents did not participate in the survey seriously enough.
3.4 Variables
i) Young Adults
The main subject of the study, young adult made up of a group that is familiar with the Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) usage in their daily life. Their perceptions toward the development of interpersonal relationship via Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) and the traditional method of face-to-face will be evaluated.
ii) Face-to-face communication
The traditional method of using face-to-face communication in interpersonal relationship will be measured along with CMC. The purpose of having the face-to-face as one of the variables is to spot the significant changes of the traditional and modern methods of communication in an interpersonal relationship.
iii) Computer-mediated communication
The modern ways of communication in interpersonal relationship that has become the alternative way to communicate. The purpose of having the CMC as one of the variables is to measure the significant changes it has brought to human in terms of developing human interpersonal relationship.
iv) Perceptions
Human perceptions toward both methods of communication used by human in their interpersonal relationship will be valued for the study findings.
3.5 Instrument
The study uses a set of questionnaires to receive feedback from the respondents. The questionnaires consist of 4 sections with 17 questions in total to cover all of the important details for the study. The questionnaires are then distributed to the 60 young adult respondents in all over Flat PKNS, Jalan Plumbum, Seksyen 7,Selangor area for feedbacks.
3.6 Data Collection
The data is collected as soon as the random young adult participants finished answering the questionnaire sets. The questionnaires are being distributed to the participants from all over Flat PKNS, Jalan Plumbum, Seksyen 7,Selangor. The reason for the distribution plan is to make sure there are variations mixed in the study and for the 60 random young adult participants to be able to give the all around view among the Flat PKNS, Jalan Plumbum, Seksyen 7, Selangor residents.
3.7 Data Processing
The answered questionnaires data will be put into the SPSS v.16 in order to get the accurate data for the study. The process will begin as soon as all of the 60 set of questionnaires have been collected from the 60 random young adult participants that participated in the study as the respondents.
REFERENCES
INTERNET
Begley K. A. (2004). Making Human Connections in a Technoloigcally-Driven Wold. Retrieved November 20, 2013 from http://www.axzopress.com/downloads/pdf/1560526998pv.pdf Baron N. S. (2010). Discourse Structures in Instant Messaging: The Case of Utterance Breaks. Retrieved December 3, 2013 from http://www.languageatinternet.org/articles/2010/2651 Boase J., Horrigan J., Wellman B., & Rainie L. (2006). The strength of internet ties. Washington, DC: Pew Internet & American Life Project. Retrieved December 4, 2013 from http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2006/The-Strength-of-Internet-Ties/01-Summary-of-Findings.aspx
Cart M. (2010). Young Adult Literature: From Romance to Realism. United States of America. Retrieved December 3, 2013 from http://books.google.com.my/books?id=un4RJ8rOTTgC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false
Gong W., & Ooi V. B. (2008). Innovations and motivations in online chat. Retrieved September 13, 2011 from http://www.igi-global.com/viewtitlesample.aspx?id=19796
Heller R. (2010), A cost-benefit analysis of face-to-face and virtual communication: overcoming the challenges. Retrieved November 20, 2013 from http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/cahrs/research/whitepapers/upload/Spring10Mtng_CostBenefitVirtualComm.pdf Johnson D. (2000). Face-to-Face vs CMC: Student Communication in a Technologically Rich Learning Environment. Retrieved November 28, 2013 from http://www.ascilite.org.au/conferences/coffs00/papers/daniel_johnson.pdf Lee J. (2010). Face-to-face Versus Computer-mediated Communication: Exploring Employees’ Preference of Effective Employee Communication Channel. Retrieved November 20, 2013 from http://www.academia.edu/538403/Face-to-face_Versus_Computer-mediated_Communication_Exploring_Employees_Preference_of_Effective_Employee_Communication_Channel
Lee P. S. N., Lo V., Leung L., Xiong C. and Wu T. (2010). Internet Communication Versus Face-to-face, Interaction in Quality of Life. Retrieved November 28, 2013 from http://www.com.cuhk.edu.hk/cuccr/en/pdf/Quality%20of%20life.pdf Lenhart A., Madden M., Smith A., & Macgill A. (2007). Teens and social media. Washington, DC: Pew Internet & American Life Project. Retrieved December 6, 2013 from http://www.pewinternet.org/~/media/Files/Reports/2007/PIP_Teens_Social_Media_Final.pdf.pdf
Taiwo R. (2008). Linguistic Forms and Functions of SMS Text Messages in Nigeria. Retrieved December 4, 2013 from http://www.igi-global.com/viewtitlesample.aspx?id=19799 BOOKS
Crawford T. (2008). Building a two-way dialogue at Deloitte. Strategic Communication Management, Vol. 12 (2), p. 6.
Duke S. (2001). Essential in media relations, but no replacement for face-to-face communication. Public Relations Quarterly, 46(4), 19-22.
Kalla, H. (2005). Integrated internal communications: A multidisciplinary perspectives. Corporate Communication, Vol. 10 (4), p. 302 – 314
Kraut R. E., Kiesler, Boneva, Cummings, Helgeson, & Crawford (2002). Internet paradox revisited. Journal of Social Issues, 58, 49–74.
Miller K. (2009). Communication: Approaches and process (5th Ed.). Wadsworth: United States of America.
Sinickas A. (Mar 2009). Don’t let face to face be eclipsed by technology. Strategic Communication Management, Vol. 13 (2), p. 11
Storper M., & Venables A. J. (2004). Buzz: Face-to-face contact and the urban economy. Journal of Economic Geography, 4, 351-370.
APPENDIX
In this savvy days, technological innovations and internet has radically emerged and been introduced in many places such as classrooms and workplaces. Technological change is one major aspect which has influenced the communication approaches in the organisations, especially the practice of new communication technology in young adult communication.
In this century of information and communication technologies (ICT), the primary infrastructure that every organisations and society need to be equipped with is a computer-mediated communication. Moreover, with the adoption of communication software, it helps the flow of communication among them. The usage of computer-mediated communication has significantly changed the way …show more content…
of organisations, society and especially young adult on how they communicate with each other.
In this research, what I want to expose is where the study shows how young adult think about communication by using computer-mediated communication and face-to-face interaction and how this have been affect their lives. However, the traditional way, face-to-face communication and the technology advancement, computer-mediated technology have been make our life complicated because we are uncertainty of using one of it as the best way to communicate. On the other hand, by the end of this research we will know what the consequences that youth faced by opting one type of the communications in their interpersonal communication. As advanced, this research can be a reference for the future as it will help new generation understand the importance of computer-mediated communication and face-to-face communication.
1.1 Background of Study
Begley (2004) claimed that face-to-face remains the most powerful human interaction, never replace intimacy and immediacy of people conversing in the same room. (Heller 2010) agreed that currently, the face-to-face communication method is a superior method of communication for many business and organizational related activities. But also expecting for the computer-mediated communication will be playing a larger role in business, learning, and collaborative environments and in the way we travel for and structure work in the near future.
Organisations should recognize the importance of employee communication and the appropriate use of communication channels in employee communication. The selection of communication tools such as face-to-face and computer-mediated communications are based on how effective they are important in achieving the bottom line of the business goal and how they fit in a strategic internal communication process (Kalla, 2005).
(Crawford 2008) considers face-to-face communication as the most effective methods of communicating because honesty, clarity and in a time-relevant fashion is also included when communicating face-to-face. The intervention of technologies in communication is a sign of an approaching danger and face-to-face cannot be left to eclipse by technology (Sinickas, 2009).
1.2 Problem Statement
Crawford (2008) considers face-to-face communication as the most effective methods of communicating because honesty, clarity and in a time-relevant fashion is also included when communicating face-to-face. Back in the old days, human tends to talk directly face-to-face and from there, it is easy to see the honesty that comes with the words flying out from the mouth of an individual. However, with the rapid development of communication technologies these days has somehow affected the human communication methods. With the existence of various computer-mediated communication devices such as the smart phones, human beings are now able to communicate with one another even from a far distance. The intervention of technologies in communication is a sign of an approaching danger and face-to-face cannot be left to eclipse by technology (Sinickas 2009).
Moreover, Begley (2004) claimed that face-to-face remains the most powerful human interaction, never replace intimacy and immediacy of people conversing in the same room. With the intervention of the newly introduced technology in human communication routine, there have been talks on how the new abilities to talk from a far distance such as using a computer-mediated communication method. The ability to send a text messages or calling someone without having to see one another face to face may be misused by the young adults. Therefore, this research is made to identify young adult preferences toward the face-to-face and computer-mediated communications.
1.3 Theoretical Framework
1.3.1 Social Exchange Theory
Social exchange theory explains on how people arrive at decisions in a variety of situations based on human behaviour. The theory suggested that people seek the greatest amount of reward with the least amount of cost. This theoretical position argues that the major force in interpersonal relationships is the satisfaction of both people’s self-interest. Theorists in Social Exchange posit that self-interest is not necessarily a bad thing and that it can actually enhance relationships. The Social Exchange approach views interpersonal exchange posit that self-interest is not necessarily a bad thing and that it can actually enhance relationships. The Social Exchange approach views interpersonal exchanges as analogous to economic exchanges where people are satisfied when they receive a fair return on their expenditures.
1.4 Research Objectives
Research Objective 1 (RO1):
To determine the types of computer-mediated communication frequently used by the young adult.
Research Objective 2 (RO2):
To determine the young adult perceptions toward the importance of CMC in an interpersonal relationship. Research Objective 3 (RO3):
To determine the young adult perceptions toward the development of an interpersonal relationship through CMC.
Research Objective 4 (RO4):
To determine the consequences of opting one preferred type of communications over the other one in an interpersonal relationship.
1.5 Research Questions
Research Question 1 (RQ1):
What are the types of computer-mediated communication frequently used by the young adult?
Research Question 2 (RQ2):
What are the young adult perceptions toward the importance of CMC in an interpersonal relationship? Research Question 3 (RQ3):
What are the young adult perceptions toward the development of an interpersonal relationship through CMC? Research Question 4 (RQ4):
What are the consequences of opting one preferred type of communications over the other one in an interpersonal relationship?
1.6 RATIONALE AND SCOPE OF THE STUDY
1.6.1 Rationale
New technologies offer new gifts that humans have never experienced before. Therefore humans could have been easily loss in the seemingly borderless power offered by new technologies that enable them to communicate with anyone in anyplace in the world via online chatting. Having no control over these kinds of technology, it is important to warn the people about the side effects of using online chatting for too much that it declines the chances of face to face communication. Side effects will occur to almost anything in the world if it is being overuse for some purpose. Therefore, having control over one activity is essential in creating balance in everyday life. The study will also reveals the importance of maintaining a face-to-face communication without putting aside the usage of new technologies in our everyday life or otherwise in the case of face to face communication. The results of this study will certainly be vital to the society that cares about healthy lifestyle.
1.6.2 Scope of the Study
The study focuses on the young adult group interpersonal relationship that lives under the influence of Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) in the Flat PKNS, Jalan Plumbum,Seksyen 7, Selangor.
1.7 Significance of Study
The research is important in determining the actions taken by the younger generations in this modern era that is full of newborn technologies from day to day. It helps to determine whether new creations such as the rapidly developed communication devices are actually useful to humans, or simply a type of wasteful inventions aimed solely for entertainment purposes. The research is useful as references for future development of communication devices that will actually benefitted humans and as well as useful for other researchers for their studies in the communication field.
2.0 Literature Review
2.1 Conceptualization
i) Face-to-face communication
Face-to-face communication is described as a conversation that one has while being face to face with the other party. This type of communication allows a person to hear and see the non-verbal communication conveyed by the sender and respond with feedback straightaway. Face-to-face discussion also facilitates immediate feedback, contains visual and audio cues, act as a personal source and uses natural body languages in the process (Lee 2010).
ii) Computer-mediated communication
Computer-mediated communication is an inexpensive way of seeking information for increasing efficiency and productivity of interactive channel that allows its users to be active and able to engage in a two-way communication (Miller 2009).
iii) Young Adult
Cart (2010) stated that from Erikson (1950) that classified young adult in 8 consecutive stages of psychosocial development as any person between the ages of 20 – 40. Depending on their work, they could be an employee or a student.
2.2 Past Researches
2.2.1 Face-to-face communication
Face-to-face communication is faster, easier and more convenient than computer-mediated communication in the educational context. Face-to-face is also best to be used for communicating ambiguous tasks, making decision and completing complex tasks (An and Frick’s 2006). Baron (2010) reported suggestive differences in the ways male and female college students construct Instant Messaging (IM) conversations, and has tentatively concluded that male IMs more closely resemble speech, while female IMs more generally look like written discourse, and it has not explored reasons behind these differences or their implications.
Face-to-face interactions are best used for employees to build interpersonal relationships with their co-workers and also for them to transmit work instructions and daily operations to their fellow co-workers (Lee 2010). According to Johnson (2000), students preferred face-to-face communication to all forms of computer-mediated communication as face-to-face communication allows for non-verbal, personal information to transpire in a real time, synchronous setting. Regardless of the advantages that computer-mediated communication could have provided, the Face-to-face communication remains the most powerful human interaction as computer-mediated communication can never fully replace the intimacy and immediacy of people conversing in the same room (Begley 2004).
208 respondents of a study in 1998 for 3 years research has been interestingly showing that negative effects dissipated (Kraut 2002). They found that depressive symptoms significantly increased with Internet use during the first period, but significantly declined with Internet use during the second period. They also reported a second longitudinal study in 1998–1999 of 406 new computer and television purchasers. This sample generally experienced positive effects of using the Internet on communication, social involvement, and well-being. However, using the Internet predicted give better outcomes for extroverts (sociable people) and those with more social support, but can give worse outcomes for introverts and those with less support.
There are three explanations for the differential effects of Internet communication in the two periods and the two studies: maturation of participants between the early and late phases of the study, differences in samples between the two studies, and changes in the Internet itself. Among the three explanations, they considered a change of the Internet as the most parsimonious explanation. They argued that from 1995 to 1998, the number of Americans with access to the Internet at home more than quadrupled. As a result, many participants’ close family members and friends were likely to have obtained Internet access. The ease with which people could communicate with their strong ties increased with the transformation of the Internet into a ‘‘hospitable’’ place (Kraut 2002).
Moreover, there has been a strong connection between the new technology and the traditional way of communicating for human. Boase (2006) found that even with the flourishing of the Internet, people still commonly communicated with their social ties in traditional ways, in addition to the use of the Internet for social communication. They found that in-person encounters were most widely used, followed by landline phone, cell phone, email, and Instant Messaging (IM) communication. Far from being a medium that connects weaker ties in superficial ways, email was used more for maintaining core rather than significant ties.
Core ties are more often relied upon for seeking help than significant ties. But significant ties are composed of people more than acquaintances and can, at times, become important players in help-seeking. Boase (2006) also found out that people not only socialized online, but they incorporated the Internet into seeking information, exchanging advice, and making decisions. Americans may now have only one or two extremely close relationships, but dozens of core and significant ties in the ‘‘networked’’ community.
Besides that, face-to-face contact has four main features: it is an efficient communication technology; it can help solve incentive problems; it can facilitate socialization and learning; and it provides psychological motivation. We discuss each of these features in turn, and develop formal economic models of two of them. Face-to-face is particularly important in environments where information is imperfect, rapidly changing, and not easily codified, key features of many creative activities (Storper & Venables 2004).
Although face-to-face communication has long been the trusted mode of contact, it also has a number of disadvantages. Research suggests that minority expressions are lowered in face-to-face groups, inhibiting trust in heterogeneous groups and creating unequal participation among members. Facilitating face-to-face contact between co-workers or with clients is often unrealistic for certain organizations, as business travel is too costly (Storper & Venables, 2004). Duke (2001) stated that, no matter how important e-mails to human these days, they will never be able to completely replacing the face-to-face communication.
2.2.2 Computer-mediated communication
The mediated nature of computer-mediated communication provided greater manipulation and more careful construction of personal information; the delayed nature gives participants the chances to review, revise or cancel their communications before the information are sent (Heisler & Crabill, 2006). Computer-mediated communication (CMC) appears to help in solving problems by eliciting more focused, on-task and purposive communication (Jonanssen and Kwon 2001). Rhoads (2010) agreed that currently, the face-to-face communication method is a superior method of communication for many business and organizational-related activities. But also expecting for the computer-mediated communication will be playing a larger role in business, learning, and collaborative environments and in the way we travel for and structure work in future.
In this era of information and communication technologies (ICT), computer-mediated communication is a basic infrastructure that every individuals need to be equipped with. With the adoption of communication software, it helps the flow of communication among the individuals and its contacts. The usage of computer-mediated communication has significantly changed the way individuals and their co-workers communicate with each other. “The major developments in technology have found communication being mediated in a number of revolutionary new ways…communication was transformed in some way by enabling mass publication and far greater speed and distance” (Thurlow, Lengel & Tomic, 2004, p.26). In addition, Miller (2009) claimed that the range of technologies introduced to the workplace in recent years has impact on communication in organisations.
Lee, Leung, Lo, Xiong and Wu (2010) concluded their study by revealing that the use of the Internet for interpersonal communication is not the same as offline face-to-face communication in enhancing quality of life. Online communication has an adverse effect on people’s perceived life quality.
One study in 2006 revealed that nine in ten American teens (aged 12–17) were wired, and 89% of them used the Internet to send or read email while 75% sent or received instant messages. However, face-to-face time still surpassed screen time for teens. The average youth aged 12–17 reported spending 10.3 hours a week with friends doing social activities outside of school and about 7.8 hours talking with friends via technology such as telephone, email, instant messaging (IM) or text messaging (Lenhart 2007).
Due to its nature of being largely synchronous, anonymous, and mainly text-based, online chat offers a social interactional environment where people can experience the feeling of making new friends or acquaintances, psychologically experiment with different identities, and explore new relationships without the shyness that face-to-face interaction can bring (Gong & Ooi 2008).
Furthermore, Taiwo (2008) found out that the use of Short Message Service (SMS) is fast growing in Nigeria, just like in other parts of the world and this is leading to the gradual abandoning of the traditional oral culture, especially among the educated ones.
The selection of communication tools such as face-to-face and computer-mediated communications are based on how effective they are important in achieving the bottom-line of the business goal and how they fit in a strategic internal communication process (Kalla, 2005). With the adoption of new communication technologies in employee communication, it has increased the overall level of the organizational communication (Miller, 2009). Besides that, Turner (2010) stated that, people choices of interactions with communication technology are depending on their communication ecologies, which support a diverse set of tools to meet user needs.
Contemporary asynchronous technology such as emails often transmits messages in near-real time, and many users reply immediately, rendering the technologically asynchronous medium effectively synchronous. In the case of instant messaging (IM), the technology is designed to work synchronously, and it often is used asynchronously by college students (Baron, 2005). Users often comment on the informal speech like quality of the medium (Lee, 2002). Meanwhile, a persistent question intriguing Internet researchers has been whether the stylistic features of CMC are more like those of informal speech or paradigmatic writing (Herring 2007).
Recently, CMC research designs have become increasingly fine-tuned. Herring (2073) has found out the linguistic effects of gender and synchronicity in American CMC. Many forms of CMC reveal considerable stylistic variation, reflecting such considerations as user age and gender, level of user experience, communication function, and medium for composing and receiving a CMC message (Herring, 2007).
Dietz-Uhler and Clark (2001) found that when groups engaged in CMC followed by a face-to-face discussion, they perceived their interactions as more enjoyable than groups who did not engage in CMC prior to a face-to-face discussion.
Dietz-Uhler and Clark (2001) argue that this difference was attributable to the fact that CMC enables greater freedom of thought, in turn improving the dialogue.
In addition to cost and minority expression, CMC has a number of other advantages. CMC addresses time constraints as asynchronous technologies (with a delay between sender and recipient, such as email) allow users to communicate at any time and location with access to the technology (Dietz-Uhler & Clark, 2001. Moreover, CMC holds promising implications for recruitment. Generally speaking, Dietz-Uhler and Clark (2001) argue that CMC is a practical alternative to face-to-face communication, as participants report it to be enjoyable, effortful and valuable.
Coordinating with constituencies, the speed and ease of virtual communication can send a message of unimportance to the recipient (Storper & Venables, 2004). When communicating virtually, recipients may deduce that they are not significant enough to warrant the expense of face-to-face time. In general, Baltes (2002) argue that CMC groups are rarely more effective, take less time and are less satisfied than face-to-face
groups.
3.0 Methodology
3.1 Research Design
Quantitative research as selected samples will be given a set of questionnaires and the data collected from the samples will be analysed in order to get the findings. Quantitative research will also emphasize the size of the participant which it can be used to represent the population. The research design of the study will be the close ended questionnaires, and the samples will be given a set of answers for them to choose in order to help the researcher to predict the outcome of certain cases from the collected data. This is basically for the sake of getting expected results, closing the wide gap of answers which the respondents might have provided in the study, and also to avoid bias or unnecessary bad results for the findings
3.2 Location of the study
Flat PKNS, Jalan Plumbum, Seksyen 7, Selangor will be the location for the study as it is a residential area on where the people that lived there are familiar with the usage of computer-mediated communication (CMC).
3.3 Population & sampling techniques
Probability Random Sampling on where all of the potential samples in a population will have an equal chance to participate in the study that will be used in order to gain a non-biased result for the study. 60 set of questionnaires will be provided for 60 young adult samples in Flat PKNS, Jalan Plumbum, Seksyen 7, Selangor that will be participating in the survey. They will be randomly selected via random sampling as this might be able to avoid bias in the study. It is through this technique that all of the respondents will have equal chances for getting selected to participate in the study. The occurrence of the sampling error will be reduced via SPSS in order to get the results. This problem might occur only if the respondent did not answer the questionnaires given to them by providing a blank answer back to the researcher. The unusual findings via SPSS will also likely to happen if the respondents did not participate in the survey seriously enough.
3.4 Variables
i) Young Adults
The main subject of the study, young adult made up of a group that is familiar with the Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) usage in their daily life. Their perceptions toward the development of interpersonal relationship via Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) and the traditional method of face-to-face will be evaluated.
ii) Face-to-face communication
The traditional method of using face-to-face communication in interpersonal relationship will be measured along with CMC. The purpose of having the face-to-face as one of the variables is to spot the significant changes of the traditional and modern methods of communication in an interpersonal relationship.
iii) Computer-mediated communication
The modern ways of communication in interpersonal relationship that has become the alternative way to communicate. The purpose of having the CMC as one of the variables is to measure the significant changes it has brought to human in terms of developing human interpersonal relationship.
iv) Perceptions
Human perceptions toward both methods of communication used by human in their interpersonal relationship will be valued for the study findings.
3.5 Instrument
The study uses a set of questionnaires to receive feedback from the respondents. The questionnaires consist of 4 sections with 17 questions in total to cover all of the important details for the study. The questionnaires are then distributed to the 60 young adult respondents in all over Flat PKNS, Jalan Plumbum, Seksyen 7,Selangor area for feedbacks.
3.6 Data Collection
The data is collected as soon as the random young adult participants finished answering the questionnaire sets. The questionnaires are being distributed to the participants from all over Flat PKNS, Jalan Plumbum, Seksyen 7,Selangor. The reason for the distribution plan is to make sure there are variations mixed in the study and for the 60 random young adult participants to be able to give the all around view among the Flat PKNS, Jalan Plumbum, Seksyen 7, Selangor residents.
3.7 Data Processing
The answered questionnaires data will be put into the SPSS v.16 in order to get the accurate data for the study. The process will begin as soon as all of the 60 set of questionnaires have been collected from the 60 random young adult participants that participated in the study as the respondents.
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APPENDIX