Computer Mediated Communication: Social Interaction and the Internet

Citation

Kuchi, T. (2006), "Computer Mediated Communication: Social Interaction and the Internet", Online Information Review, Vol. 30 No. 2, pp. 194-195. https://doi.org/10.1108/14684520610659210

According to the authors, this book provided them an excellent opportunity to bring together information that has a “rich potential for ‘deep learning’ … about ourselves, about others, and about the world we live in”. The authors recognise the “powerful force” that computer mediated communication (CMC) has become for “everyday social interaction” and incorporate it creatively in this textbook that teaches basic theory, application, and provides ideas and opportunities for fieldwork and independent research. Mainly geared to the undergraduate student or for those starting out new with CMC, this textbook uses creative and active learning pedagogy techniques to teach a subject that is in a state of constant change. The textbook is designed to be a gateway to resources related to CMC, which is further supplemented by a companion web site of additional useful resources available at: www.com.washington.edu/cmc

The authors provide a framework for the book that is based on Pierre Bourdieu's “four qualities of intellectual pursuit” labelled The Pillars of Intellectual Life. The four pillars (“the demolition of simplistic either‐ors”, “the critique of received ideas”, “freedom with respect to those in power” and “respect for the complexity of problems”) are used at the beginning to explain or introduce each section. The reader is lead through a series of four strands (related to the four pillars) that cover various units, tasks and topics (chapters). The first strand, “Learn: basic theory”, covers defining, situating, theorising, describing, explaining, and contextualising CMC. The second strand, “Critique: central issues”, discusses issues such as ethics, inequities, identity, community, language, and addiction in the context of online communication. In the third strand application of the theory and issues is encouraged by assigning the students several tasks, for example “searching and researching the internet”, “online collaboration”, etc. The fourth strand allows the readers to explore central areas of CMC such as political, legal, organisational, health and visual factors.

The book presents one introduction for the student or new reader and another for the teacher or instructor of CMC. It provides a table of contents, list of illustrations, glossary of key terms, references and an index, making it easy to access the material covered. Each chapter within the four strands includes an overview, key terms, objectives and a review. In addition, there is a list of “stimulus readings and resources” and “ideas for further discussion and investigation” at the end of each chapter.

This book is an excellent introduction for a newbie looking to learn key aspects of the subject of CMC. It succinctly and successfully covers in its own unique style, the multi‐modal and ever‐changing nature of information in this subject area, while providing extensive information for the reader to explore different areas and achieve a deeper understanding of CMC.