There are many ways that Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) differs from Face to Face Communication (F2F). First, let’s discuss non-verbal communication and how different communication mediums changes the way in which communicators read non-verbal communication. Examples of CMC can be text-chat, video-conferencing, and also youtube and facebook. Any time that a person is using a text only chat their communication process is being hindered. Joking and sarcasm can almost be completely thrown out and not be used because it is hard to tell on text only CMC what one is really trying to convey. During a F2F conversation non-verbal cues can assist in the recognizing of sarcasm and joking. In F2F communication a person can easily have feelings of reclusiveness in their communication. This can occur because of other members’ responses to the individual. There are CMC devices that can essentially free a person to contribute more to a group and feel positive about their openness. Secondlife is a place where one might have an easier time being more open participating to a group.
I definitely agree with what you said about trying to joke or use sarcasm in CMC. It definitely does not give the same effect as it would in F2F conversation because you don't have the support of nonverbal cues like body language to support the message you are sending. I can recall several times where I have received texts or comments from friends on Facebook and I had to literally sit and analyze the comment they were making because I couldn't tell if they were being serious or joking. Although using emoticons or abbreviated expressions like "LOL" or "JK" might help separate a joke from a rude comment, you never really know if that person is really kidding or really in fact laughing out loud. The advantage or F2F communication is that you can tell if someone is serious or kidding by reading their nonverbal cues. Even if someone tells you they're "ok" you can see if there really is something wrong just by analyzing their body language or tone of voice. With CMC you don't have that ability to read the other person, and you can only go off what you see on the screen or in text which may or may not be the accurate message.
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