This document discusses key concepts related to computer-mediated communication (CMC) and social theories, including: - CMC as a social construct that explains social network and media behavior. - Early research on how humans interacted with computers. - Packet switching and how internet data is transferred. - Early adopters who first adopt new technologies. - User profiles, tagging, geotagging, and vlogs on social media. - Internet protocol addresses and virtual communities online. - The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a digital rights group founded in 1990 to defend civil liberties online. The document poses discussion questions about how CMC has influenced relationships, how social networks depict

1. Chapter 2
(CMC, Diffusion and Social Theories)
Maria Ciallella, Jacqueline Furey,
Ochuwa Musa, and Matthew
Thomas

2. Computer-Mediated Communication
A social and research construct that begins to explain the nature of social network and social media
behavior and culture

3. Human-Computer Interaction
Early research into how humans engaged with computer hardware and software

4. Packet Switching
The method of moving Internet data in packet chunks and re-assembling content upon arrival

5. Early Adopters
In a diffusion cycle, the first to adopt new technologies and/or ideas

6. User Profiles
Online descriptions of user identities

7. Tagging
On Facebook, a person can be tagged in a photograph. In doing so, a name is associated with a face
and perhaps a place, and these data can be shared across the social network

8. Geotagging
Use of a computer software code that identifies location

9. Vlogs
Video bloggers use video posts instead of texts

10. Internet Protocol (IP)
An address number attached to a user computer or location

11. Virtual Community
An online space creating a community experience among users

12. Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)
An international, non-profit digital rights group founded by John Barlow in 1990
The Electronic Frontier Foundation
(EFF) is the leading organization
defending civil liberties in the digital
world. For decades EFF has worked
tirelessly in the courts and with
activists to protect the freedom to
hack, tinker, remix, and create for the
long term good of society. EFF
defends free speech on the Internet,
fights illegal surveillance, supports
freedom-enhancing technologies, and
much more.

13. Discussion Question - 1
How has CMC influenced the way we form relationships? How may it blur the lines
between reality and fantasy?
Computer-mediated communication (CMC) has influenced the way we form relationships in many ways.
CMC may offer a voice to group with similar interests seeking social change, cultural shifts, and even
political power (pg. 26). It is also influential in forming personal relationships via social media and social
networking sites. CMC may blur the line between reality and fantasy because people may be having
online interactions with others who may not be who they say they are, or are tricking a person into
believing something that is not real.

14. Discussion Question - 2
How would a visualization of your social networks depict communication patterns
and relationships? How could this be used to influence future online behavior?
Some visual examples of social networks that depicts communication patterns and relationships are
Google's Gmail which connects usually identifiable users with others across the internet. Similarly,
LinkedIn reconnects business contacts by offering current work status and other information.The core idea
of social media communication is to use online networks to connect with others and broaden social
networks. In future online behaviors communication patterns can be used to maintain existing offline
relationships or solidify offline connections, as opposed to meeting new people.

15. Discussion Question - 3
Describe your favorite Internet Meme: Why do you like it? How does it transfer
cultural understandings from one person to another?

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https://kahoot.com/welcomeback
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