Interpersonal Effects in Computer-Mediated Interaction

1994/08/01 by Joseph B. Walther, JOSEPH B. WALTHER, JEFFREY F. ANDERSON +3 · 785 citations
Psychology · Social Sciences · #Cognition #Communication studies #Computer science #Computer-mediated communication #Impact of Technology on Adolescents #Interpersonal communication #Interpersonal interaction #Interpersonal relationship #Knowledge Management and Sharing #Meta-analysis #Organizational communication #Outcome (game theory) #Perspective (graphical) #Psychology #Social information processing #Social psychology #Social relation #Sociology #Task (project management) #Team Dynamics and Performance #The Internet

paper · doi:10.1177/009365094021004002

published in Communication Research 21(4), 460-487 (SAGE Publishing)

openalex publication_date 1994/08/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/25

Abstract

This study examined the effects of time restriction on social interaction in computer-mediated communication through a meta-analysis of applicable research. Time was defined as whether subjects were restricted or unrestricted in their opportunity to exchange messages. Studies were included that assessed either of two outcome variables: socially oriented (as opposed to task-oriented) communication, and negative / uninhibited communication. Hypotheses were derived from Walther's social information processing perspective. Meta-analytic tests supported the hypotheses on social communication. Although no effects were found on negative / uninhibited communication, a reexamination of original studies suggests caution regarding previous findings.

Citations

• Interpersonal Effects in Computer-Mediated Interaction

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