A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Psychological Underpinnings of Intrafamilial Computer-Mediated Communication: A Preliminary Exploration of CMC Uptake with Parents and Siblings
Authors: Goby Valerie Priscilla
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.
Publication year: 2011
Journal: Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking
Journal name in source: CYBERPSYCHOLOGY BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING
Journal acronym: CYBERPSYCH BEH SOC N
Volume: 14
Issue: 6
First page : 365
Last page: 370
Number of pages: 6
ISSN: 2152-2715
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2010.0289
Abstract
This preliminary study investigates the uptake of computer-mediated communication (CMC) with parents and siblings, an area on which no research appears to have been conducted. Given the lack of relevant literature, grounded theory methodology was used and online focus group discussions were conducted in an attempt to generate suitable hypotheses for further empirical studies. Codification of the discussion data revealed various categories of meaning, namely: a perceived inappropriateness of CMC with members of family of origin; issues relating to the family generational gap; the nature of the offline sibling/parent relationship; the non-viability of online affordances such as planned self-disclosure, deception, identity construction; and disinhibition in interactions with family-of-origin members. These themes could be molded into hypotheses to assess the psychosocial limitations of CMC and to determine if it can indeed become a ubiquitous alternative to traditional communication modes as some scholars have claimed.
This preliminary study investigates the uptake of computer-mediated communication (CMC) with parents and siblings, an area on which no research appears to have been conducted. Given the lack of relevant literature, grounded theory methodology was used and online focus group discussions were conducted in an attempt to generate suitable hypotheses for further empirical studies. Codification of the discussion data revealed various categories of meaning, namely: a perceived inappropriateness of CMC with members of family of origin; issues relating to the family generational gap; the nature of the offline sibling/parent relationship; the non-viability of online affordances such as planned self-disclosure, deception, identity construction; and disinhibition in interactions with family-of-origin members. These themes could be molded into hypotheses to assess the psychosocial limitations of CMC and to determine if it can indeed become a ubiquitous alternative to traditional communication modes as some scholars have claimed.
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