More connections, less connection: An examination of the effects of computer-mediated communication on relationships. Page: 1
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McGlynn, Joseph. More connections, less connection: An examination of the
effects of computer-mediated communication on relationships. Master of Arts
(Communication Studies), December 2006, 96 pp., 3 tables, references, 184 titles.
The impact of computer-mediated communication (CMC) on relational behavior
is a topic of increasing interest to communication scholars (McQuillen, 2003; Tidwell &
Walther, 2002). One of the most interesting issues that CMC raises concerns the impact
of CMC on relational maintenance and development. Using dialectical theory, social
exchange theory, social information processing theory, and the hyperpersonal
perspective as theoretical frameworks, this study used quantitative and qualitative
analyses to identity potential effects of CMC on relationships. Study 1 (n=317)
examined the effects of CMC on relational closeness, satisfaction, and social support.
Study 2 (n=196) explored the reasons individuals provide for privileging computer-
mediated forms of communication, and the perceived effects of using CMC in relational
communication. Results indicated that quality of CMC predicted increased perceptions
of social support and relationship satisfaction. Results further suggested that CMC
enabled participants to manage more effectively relational tensions of autonomy-
connection and openness-closedness. Specifically, individuals used CMC to retain
higher levels of conversational control, and to maintain greater numbers of relationships
with decreased levels of investment. This paper concludes with a discussion of
implications and directions for future research.
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McGlynn, Joseph. More connections, less connection: An examination of the effects of computer-mediated communication on relationships., thesis, December 2006; Denton, Texas. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc5449/m1/2/?rotate=90: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; .