Provide an example of Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) use and describe a theory or feature that establishes whether it is (or is not) an appropriate setting for the content of that particular communication or message.

Learning Goal: I’m working on a writing case study and need a sample draft to help me learn.

NETIQUETTE AND NETWORKED COMMUNITIES

Provide an example of Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) use and describe a theory or feature that establishes whether it is (or is not) an appropriate setting for the content of that particular communication or message.

Examples of not appropriate uses might include: SMS breakups, email rants, Twitter trolling, smartphones at the dinner table, etc. What are more appropriate uses of CMC? Could be meeting virtually during a pandemic, choosing direct or private message on social media platforms when the content may be more personal, or abstaining from certain types of CMC use as a way of promoting self-care. You tell us!

Use the concepts found in chapters 5 and 6, like the features and settings of Computer Mediated Communication, or the concept of the “third place,” or the factors of community ties, “belonging, identity, and interest” to analyze the CMC use.

Here is some advice that the IC Team put together for you with regard to this essay:

• Focus on the essay question and the appropriateness of the communication and setting. Describe the medium you picked to discuss but you MUST also attempt to assess it according to the required concepts from the textbook. In other words, discuss and assess your example as it relates to CMC features and netiquette rules, or any other community guidelines.
• Don’t forget to briefly describe the concepts you use; try to write the essay as if the person reading it knows nothing about the topic. Well, maybe not nothing, but how would you explain this to a grandparent, or a younger cousin who is unfamiliar with the tools and concepts? But you shouldn’t stop there, it is important to engage in critical thinking in your argument. Try to think more broadly and out of the common sense, vague statements. Think of both pros and cons together in your argument.
• In constructing reasonable and well reasoned arguments, avoid extremes and hyperbole: Neither express obsequious praise for online communication, nor condemn technology as the Devil’s spawn, without supporting your claims. Also, as media scholars, we can certainly acknowledge the flaws inherent in CMC, but also find ways in which it can be used to improve the nature of communication and continuity of communities.

Some important essay instructions brought to you by the Internet Culture Team:

• Please remember that there is a word limit of 500-750 words for the essays. You will be penalized (booo!) for going over or under the word limit (or time limit for multimedia essays, 2-3 minutes. This is a silly reason to lose points for the essays, so if you’ve submitted your essay already, please check to make sure it’s within the word limit.

• Try to think of a good, descriptive title for your essay. While we always appreciate witty, tongue-in-cheek titles, we’re primarily encouraging you to avoid titles like ‘Essay 3’.

• Please run a basic spelling and grammar check before you submit your essay. Multiple typos will affect your grade. It’s a good idea to read your essay out loud–even better idea, have someone listen and give you feedback. And check the essay rubric for full criteria!

• A bibliography, while always good practice for longer academic essays, is not required if you are citing only from the textbook. If you are bringing in outside sources, yes, please create a short bibliography at the end of the essay.
• However, in-text citations are a must. Avoid vague terms such as “the textbook” and “the author” without referring to them by name first (Tasman or any other authors cited). Since this textbook is electronic and without numbered pages, use the chapter numbers and section headings to identify the place (Tasman 2022, Chapter 1, Instrumentalist Argument)