ARTICLE 1 - Experiences of Computer-Mediated Communication

1.0 Introduction

According to (Amado Cordova et al, 2013), Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) consists of a variety of technologies and techniques that use online discussion boards, chat rooms and e-mails. This type of technique does not involve real-time communication or visual communication. That means, the CMC is any form of communication between two or more individuals who interact and influence each other to use this type of social software for communication via separate computers through the Internet or network connection. Hence, today is a technology and science era that has many forms of social software or social media created to help people easily communicate or do any kind of work better and faster. For example, the type of social software or social media that is really high percentage for people using it is Skype, Facebook, Whatsapp, Twitter, Instagram and others. In Malaysia, referring to (Mahat, 2017), statistics from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), recorded that Malaysians aged 15 to 40 are 77% using the Internet in Malaysia. Studies show that Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya are the highest percentage of internet usage among Malaysians. Therefore, from statistics we can illustrate that our people love to use the internet for personal things like chatting with friends or lover, playing games online or using the internet to do work.

2.0 Content

2.1 Do you engage in CMC and how were there experiences?

Awang - I am already engage in CMC. CMC obviously provides us the opportunity to communicate with others peoples in real time and it’s exactly save more time, energy and even money.

Fedly - I am also involved in computer-based computer communications where the technological developments in this software directly involve me in many ways, as it is a new way of man to interact with one another for example when making a call to someone, sending messages and so on.

Farhana - My experience in CMC was less. I rather straightly call or message than do video calling, or chatting in social media. I felt it disturbing and waste my time. Normally, I using the internet was for novel reading and doing my assignment.

Kamaruzaman - My experience of communicating with software like Whatsapp, Facebook, Telegram and Wechat is very enjoyable as I can communicate with anyone more easily. Additionally, I just need gadgets like Smartphone to communicate with people.

Abdullah - As a user involved with this CMC, we must evaluate which is right and wrong. The experience that I got from engage with CMC was I can make friend either in reality or in virtual. The thing I can got from CMC was knowledge, friendship, save many time, and many things that I can learn from using CMC.

Syadza - As a student, social media plays an important role for us to communicate with each other. The applications of social media such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram and other applications have been a medium for us to interact with each other rather than use phone call and messaging which is more costly while most of the social media is a free application and it operates with using the internet data or Wi-Fi.

Alif  - In my experience as a student I really need to use the CMC to do any kind of research provided by the lecturer. The media is very useful for all students to manage and organize our work when we can communicate through computers, laptops, smart phones and the like.

Nurin – This CMC it is really useful, simple and efficient especially when the other person  that we are trying to connect is staying far away from us or even as an alternative when another form of communication is needed and more proper to be done in a particular situation. Social software that I mainly use are Facebook and WhatsApp as most individuals that I’m communicating with also use the same applications. Besides, it has lots of interesting features that makes the communication more fun and alive.

Rosela - In my daily life as a student, Yes I am engage with the CMC a lot because nowadays most everything I do, I will use CMC even to arrange my daily life. The most CMC that I been use was Whatsapp, Instagram, Facebook, Telegram, Email, Video call, comic reader app, dictionary app and more but that list was the most application that I use for communication.

Zafirah - I personally think that smartphone is an important gadget because it can help you doing your work assignment and some college activities.

2.2 Relate some of your experience with the theories or argument that we have discuses?

As referring to (Bernard C. Y. Tan et al, 1998), explains that CMC may influence the work of a majority or group. This is because CMC can change the way people work together. Kinney and Dennis (1994) and Valacich et al. (1994) reported that someone working face-to-face and people working through CMC acted differently. This empirical decision demonstrates that CMC may be a potential way of changing the influence of the majority in the group. CMC can reduce the influence of the majority in two ways. First, the CMC can reduce the ability of the majority to influence minorities. Verbal (for example, tone and frequency of sound) and visual cues (e.g. Nod and frown) are an effective way to perform influence (Ridgeway et al 1985). Using voice and face expressions, the majority can put pressure on minority obedience. If CMC (which carry signals text) replace verbal or visual cue, the majority might have few ways of influencing the effect of interest (McGuire et al 1987, Rice 1984). Therefore, in the decision-making group using CMC, minorities may take longer to produce significant influence. (McGuire et al 1987, Rice 1984). Second, the CMC can enhance the ability of minorities to challenge the thinking of the majority. Verbal and visual cues tend to make people more limited in what they say (Trevino et al 1990) and more concerned about what others think of the other person (Diener et al 1976). If CMC replaces oral or visual signals, the minority may be more prepared to challenge the majority's thinking as it may be under control in his behavior and less concerned about how it will be evaluated by the majority (Diener et al 1976, Rice 1984). Therefore, in a decision-making group that uses CMC, minorities may make more challenges to the majority position.

3.0 Conclusion

In conclusion, from an explanation before it in connection with (Amado Cordova, 2013) explains that media richness theory, text-based communication tools, such as chat, considered to be less rich in communication, because it has no visual cues and auditorium in face to face interactions. It also does not have the personality of a message. Therefore, chat debated with less effective to deliver clearer information. In particular, conversations can be less effective communication medium when two teams are almost interacting (uninterrupted) trying to make general assessments of uncertain and uncertain tactical situations. (Daft and Lengel, 1986). Although however, CMC's nature means it's easy for individuals to engage in communication with others regardless of time or location. CMC allows individuals to collaborating on projects that may not be possible due to factors such as geography. In addition, the CMC is also useful for allowing individuals who may be intimidated by factors such as character or inability to participate in communication. By allowing someone to communicate in the location they choose, CMC calls enable one to be involved in minimal communication. Making a comfortable person through CMC also plays a role in self-disclosure, allowing communicator partners to make it easier and more expressive. When communicating through electronic media, individuals are less likely to stereotype and less think about physical characteristics. The unfamiliar role in online communication can also encourage some users less defensive and form relationships with others more quickly.

References

Amado Cordova, K. M. (2013). Computer-Mediated Communication. In K. M. Amado Cordova, Virtual Collaboration for a Distributed Enterprise (pp. 5-9). Santa Monica: RAND Corporation.

Bernard C. Y. Tan, K.-K. W. (1998). Computer-Mediated Communication and Majority Influence: Assessing the Impact in anIndividualistic and a Collectivistic Culture. Management Science, Vol. 44, No. 9, 1263-1278.

Mahat, N. Q. (2017). Golongan Muda Banyak Buang Masa Layari Internet. USIM, Negeri Sembilan: Berita Harian .