Reflection 5 : Computer Mediated Communication (CMC)

Assalamualaikum w.b.t

CMC refers to any communicative transaction that occurs through the use of two or more networked computers.  

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There are 2 forms of CMC; Synchronous and Asynchronous

Forms	Meaning	Features	Example
Synchronous	real time, instantaneous communication	<!- The participants  communicate in the same session. <!- Exchanges are  rapid <!- Language used resembles more of spoken conversation. <!- The synchronous mode of CMC is indeed a combination of written and oral styles of communication <!- Emoticons’ used to show writer’s emotions or motives. They make up for the absence of body language, facial expression and eye contact	Chatting, Video Conferencing, Instant Messaging
Asynchronous	non-real time communication	<!- The message is read and responded to at a later point in time. <!- The participants do not have to be on-line at the same time.	E-mail, Bulletin Board, Blog, SNS

The table above contains a simplified version of what CMC is all about. With the advancement of technology, improvised versions and examples of CMC will occur and hopefully can help language learners in as many aspects as possible in their language acquisition.

Although changes and improvisation is very much welcomed in the field of CMC, users should be warned that not all changes are good. As the use of internet becomes widespread, there are dangers to what it may bring to society. For example, cases of fraud and identity theft are among the few cases of incorrect usage of CMC. Hence, internet users must be aware of any and every information they share via CMC.

Another downside of rapid widespread of CMC is that people in this age finds it more comfortable to talk to each other via computers or online communication rather than face-to-face interaction. Despite the mobility and ease, we might want to consider the effects of such situation in the years to come. Do we really want to live in a society where people only communicate via computers and the likes of it? What will happen to family institution then? Won’t relationships crumble? Therefore, we need to be vigilant and exercise control and limit in the use of computer mediated communication in our lives.