Computer Mediated Communication (Paperback)

by Dr Crispin Thurlow (Author), Laura Lengel (Author), Professsor Alice Tomic (Author) "We've chosen to use a fractal on the cover of this book because we think it's a powerful metaphor for computer mediated communication (CMC)..." (more)
Key Phrases: digital gender divide, online aggression, excessive internet use, United States, Portal Box, Focus Areas (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is a breath of fresh air whn it comes to information literacy texts. Thurlow, Lengel, and Tomic focus on the Internet's role in changing social interaction. This refreshing approach uses a social perspective to motivate readers... The book is supplemented with a rich Web site that is loaded with numerous links referenced in the book... Highly recommended."

(J. Beidler )

Product Description
This book offers students a task-based introduction to Computer-Mediated Communication and the impact of the internet on social interaction. Divided into four parts which require students to learn, (theory), critique, (current issues), explore, (methods), and reflect, (practice), the book aims to:

· Provide a foundation to the social and communicative nature of information and communication technologies

· Enable students to engage with the key theoretical issues associated with CMC

· Equip students with the necessary research and technical skills as a stimulus to independent enquiry.

In spite of the rapidly increasing interest in Internet Studies and CMC and the introduction of many university courses in the area, no specialised, introductory textbook exists. This coursebook responds to the need for such a text. Aimed primarily at communication students, this book would also be useful as a sourcebook for students of media, sociology, psychology, and English Language Studies.

The authors have also created a companion website at http://www.com.washington.edu/cmc

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Sage Publications Ltd; 1 edition (February 25, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761949542
• ISBN-13: 978-0761949541
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #509,880 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars different usages are analysed, July 4, 2006

By	W Boudville (Terra, Sol 3) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

The book is a serious attempt at analysing how the Internet has affected social dynamics between people. The authors look at issues like virtual identities. This relative anonymity of the net and global reach of the net, often with quick feedback, is unique in history. How and why do people assume a new virtual identity? Various reasons are studied, including the rise of scams.

We also see communities on the net. How are these different from real world instances, where people must meet each other in the flesh? The virtuality gives the dynamics of the net interactions a fascinating scope.

Pornography is another aspect which has driven net usage. Especially if a user is in a locality where physical porn is banned.