This document discusses computer-mediated communication (CMC) and social theories related to identity and relationships online. It defines key terms like CMC, human-computer interaction, and virtual communities. It also addresses how online identities are presented, the spread of influence in social networks, and the potential for CMC to blur lines between reality and fantasy in relationships. Activities are proposed to examine profiles and information sharing on social media.

1. Chapter 2:
CMC Diffusion and Social Theories
Anne Caelle Jean, Margaux Morio, Arianne Andrew,
Robert Siwiec

2. Identity
● We all have an online presence reflected by what we choose to share
about others and ourselves .
● Self-Presentation is not oftentimes times accurate , portrays a virtual
persona.
● Catfishing!!!
● Uses and Gratifications : to avoid loneliness and develop new habits.
● Sense of identity for underrepresented groups,online communities.
● The beginning of memes.

3. Terms
CMC
● Computer Mediated
Communication: a way to
describe the digital nature of
mediated online communication.
Looks at identity formation,
presentation, distribution etc…
● Gather information about the
world around us, relaxation,
entertainment ,stress relief etc...
2 HCI
● Human Computer Interaction:
interpersonal interactivity and
informational interactivity.
● Defines online social dynamics
and group communication.
● Looks at Message interests and
involvement
3

4. Activity1. Take out your phones.
2. Exchange social media pages with your neighbor.
3. Name three things you have gathered about each other through your
profile/feed!

5. Packet Switching:
Definition: the method of moving Internet data in packet chunks and
re-assembling content upon arrival.

6. Early Adopters:
Definition: in a diffusion cycle, the first to adopt new technologies
and/or ideas.

7. User Profiles:
Definition: online descriptions of user profiles.
Example:

8. Vlogs (Video Log)
Video bloggers use video posts instead of text. Vlogs are regular
commentary in a video medium.
● An example, the “vlog brothers,” that was created by John and Hank Green. It
started as a way to talk to each other and grew to over one million YouTube
subscribers.
● They described their vlog as “nothing in particular besides the brothers sharing
humorous exchanges with each other.” Their videos can now reach up to
hundreds of thousands of viewers.
● https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4-CH0epzZpD_ARhxCx6LaQ

9. Internet Protocol (IP)
An address number attached to a users computer or location.
● Addresses guarantee that the original source of a message can be tracked and
traced by government entities and others.

10. IP ADDRESSES
EXPLAINED

11. Tagging/Geotagging
On Facebook, a person can be tagged in a photograph. A name is associated
with a face and perhaps a place, and these data can be shared across the social
network.
● Geotagging is a use of a software code that identifies location.
● A smartphone photograph may be geotagged with the location, and this data
can be presented or used within the context of an application.

12. Virtual Communities:
Influence may spread from the center of a social network. A community where
people share common interests, ideas, and feelings through the internet.
CMC Pioneer Howard Rheingold believed that virtual communities created social
groups and relationships over time.
Example: youtubers, and bloggers.

13. 4 principles of virtual communities:
- Clear purpose/vision.
- Clear member role definition
- Moderator leadership
- online/offline events: events play an important role in strengthening member
identification within a social network.

14. Quote:
- “Influence of opinion leaders may be understood through similar interests and
social stratification of leaders and their followers. At the same time, however,
the shift from interpersonal to mediated communication is likely to reduce
feedback as people orient within a social network.” (Westley and Maclean,
1957.Page 45, Social Media Communication, Lipschultz.)

15. Quote:
“It is often assumed that computers “break down
boundaries” or “break down hierarchies” in cyberspace:
“And yet computers can just as easily create boundaries and
hierarchies” (page 52, Social Media Communication,
Lipschultz)

16. VIRTUAL
COMMUNITIES

17. Media Communication:
A theoretical perspective that moves away from mass communication and
large audiences toward fragmentation.
-So basically a perspective that breaks down mass communication and large
audiences.
-One to many
-One to one
-Many to many

18. Electronic Frontier Foundation:
-An organization since the 1990s that fought government regulation and
intrusion. The organization promotes free and open internet.
Eg: The National Security Agency’s collection of online and security data.

19. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

20. How has CMC influenced the way we form relationships?
How may it blur the lines between reality and fantasy?
➔ Relationships are formed solely based on what's portrayed through their feed.
➔ False expectations and Ideals.
➔ We all put our best selves on display for social media, what we portray may not
be our true selves.
➔ Taking these things at face value blurs the lines between reality and fantasy.
➔ By creating these false ideals for ourselves we become cautious of our own
sincerity and weary of others intentions.
➔ Misunderstandings will arise when these false ideals break.

21. 2. How would a visualization of your social networks depict
communication patterns and relationships? How could this be used to
influence future online behavior?
- The visualization of my social networks depict the life of a 21 year old college
student, who enjoys going out with friends every now and then. It shows, the
“fun” things in my life, but disregards all the stress behind it all.
- One’s social media doesn’t define every single aspect of their life. It could
appear that one only ever is with their friends, just because of what is posted
online. But in reality, not everyone chooses to post every single thing that
occurs in their life.
- There can be a boundary between reality and social media.
- Overall shows friends, family, where I’ve travelled.
- It could be used to influence future online behavior through posting similar
things.

22. 3. Describe your favorite Internet meme. Why do you like it? How does
it transfer cultural understandings from one person to another?
In this meme...I appreciate this meme because it truly reminds me of the looks I
would get from my mom when I knew I was in trouble. The look was stern and my
sister and I knew we needed to stop doing what we were doing.
● The transfer of information is that parents, particularly moms
are known for giving a ‘look’ whenever their child is mis-
behaving. From home to home this may vary slightly but
the idea is the same.