Year: 2004
Type: article
Abstract: Prior research suggests that computer-mediated communication (CMC) may impede groups' intersubjective social construction of meaning.However, little is yet known about the intermediary processes that promote such intersubjectivity.Based on sociological and organizational theories of meaning and communication, we propose three such processes: signification, comprehension, and emotional contagion.In a laboratory experiment, findings provide preliminary support for the proposed salience of the three intermediary processes to intersubjectivity.The direct effect of CMC on intersubjectivity was initially negative.Following the addition of the three mediational processes, this effect was positive, though insignificant.Thus, the three intermediary processes collectively account for the negative effect of CMC on intersubjectivity.Specifically, results indicate that the effects of CMC on all three processes were negative and that signification and comprehension had positive effects on the intersubjective social construction of meaning.Implications of these findings for ongoing research on meaning in electronically-mediated communication are considered.
Institutions: University of Oklahoma, University of Georgia
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2142903355