Projects / Programmes
Characteristics and perspectives of computer-mediated communication (discussion groups and chat-rooms)
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 6.06.00 |
Humanities |
Culturology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| S265 |
Social sciences |
Press and communication sciences |
| S220 |
Social sciences |
Cultural anthropology, ethnology |
| S214 |
Social sciences |
Social changes, theory of social work |
computer-mediated communication, Internet, interactivity, discussion forums, chat-rooms, subject, identity, discourse, electronic democracy
Researchers (1)
| no. |
Code |
Name and surname |
Research area |
Role |
Period |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
19324 |
PhD Tadej Praprotnik |
Humanities |
Head |
2002 - 2004 |
0 |
Organisations (1)
Abstract
Internet can be a very powerful and easy accessible medium for communication between the users of the Internet technology. It might be powerful medium for distant education, even when collaborative learning and critical thinking are crucial. But while technological interactivity is necessary to build virtual communities, interactivity alone is not enough. Computer- mediated communication provides ample room for identity construction but not for its fixing and structuring. This uncertainty and instability of relationships may produce pseudo-communities, based on artificial ties, not on real involvement in common sentiments and projects. What is difficult to ensure is commitment. Virtual communities are real, involving real relationships among people, but they are often fluid and ephemeral. The human decisions can have high impact on how people use technology, and organizational choices can shape the impact of communication media. Organizational communication has shown that the impact of technology on human life is a matter of human action and interaction. We have to be aware that both components of Internet technology (Internet technology and the use of technology) are important. Virtual communities (in education, in public institutions) may be the product of either cultural commitment or organizational decisions, but they need to be socially built. Technological interactivity is not enough, even if it is necessary. We know that virtual communities can be real communities. We ought to understand whether and how they may also be not ephemeral.The proposed research must therefore analyse the efficiency of the existing virtual forums. This way we would gain the pattern of development orientation which would show us how the communication patterns of computer-mediated communication intend to change and these changes should be then included in the social development. The project's result should be included in the strategic development plans. They would have an important role of control. In fact, they would contain practical instructions for the formation of public on-line forums and chat-rooms. This way the necessary conditions would be fulfilled. That would enable computer-mediated communication to become an element which helps the communication in public space to improve and become more democratic and interactive.
