Explores how the Internet influences us to function, think, communicate, learn, change, and evolve.

This text discusses technology as a context in which human communication occurs; the focus is on the process of communication, not on technology. Covering the basic functions of the Internet, communication modes and contexts, and implications, Human Communication on the Internet offers a well-rounded look at the field of computer-mediated communication and its impact and influence on our lives.

Features

• Offers a Blackboard cartridge to accompany the text, including course management tools and an online forum for teaching this course as well as relevant and current scholarship and examples.
• Suggests ways for students to apply what they're learning on the Internet alone and in online discussion groups.
• Explains how the Internet can polarize people by causing a digital divide, dissonance, and violence, opening students' eyes to part of the "dark side" of this technology.
• Includes an appendix online that helps students learn how to do effective research on the Internet.
• WebCT package available directly from author.

I. FOUNDATIONS.

1. Introduction: Underpinning Ideas.

Purpose.
Interactivity.
End Users.
Paradoxical Implications.

2. Process of Human Communication on the Internet.

Developmental Perspective.
Why Study Human Communication on the Internet?
Communication Media.
Models of Communication.

3. Tensions of Internet Communication.

Globalization.
Cyberspace.
Theoretical Roots.
Humanist versus Behavioralist Approach.
Adoption and Diffusion.
Informing and Conversing.

II. FUNCTIONS.

4. Informatics.

Informatics.
Research Communication.
Scholarly Communication.
Quality, Primary Sources about Communication.
Online Databases.
Skill Section: Online Search.
E-Journals.
Journalism and Internet Scholarship.
Communicating Scholarly Research Online.
Online Scholarly Discussion Groups.

5. The Play of Internet Communication.

The Play of the Internet.
Play of Computer Games.
Playful Metaphors.
Example Metaphor.
Interplay between Internet and Communication Principles.
Skill Section: Communication Design on the Web.

6. Polarization of People.

Intensification of Polarization.
Digital Divide or Technical Together?
Cognitive Dissonance.
Video Games.
Privacy.
Hoaxes, Rumors, and Myths.
Internet Addiction.
Hostile Metaphors.
Flaming.
Personal Fear.
Hate Speech.
Fear of Terrorism.
Facing Fears.

III. COMMUNICATION MODES.

7. Intrapersonal Communication as Cognitive Collaboration.

Intrapersonal Communication and the Internet.
Resolving the Inner/Outer Dichotomy.
The Self and the Internet.
Attributing Human Characteristics to Computers.
Interactive Communication.
Role-Playing Identity.
Culture.
Age.
Gender.

8. Interpersonal Communication On the Internet.

Relationship Between Interpersonal and Internet Communication.
Skill Section: Speed, Reach, Anonymity, Regard and Interactivity.
Influence on Family.
Online Relationships.
Online Relationships.

9. Groups.

Mediator of Human Communication.
Story-telling in Groups.
Developing Community through Groups.
Characteristics of Online Group Discussion.
Skill Section: Considerations for Moderating Online Discussion.
Health Care Empowerment through Groups.

IV. CONTEXTS OUTSIDE THE HOME.

10. Workplace Contexts.

Business Communication on the Internet Systems.
Roles
Tensions.
Climate.
E-Business.
Online Business Internaction.
Skill Section: Manager Communication.

11. Educational Contexts.

Intensified Learning.
Allow Anyone to Learn Anything, Anytime, Anywhere.
Intensification of Effort.
Educational Policy and Internet Communication.
Academic Collaboration.

V. IMPLICATIONS.

12. Consequences and Conclusions.

Convergence.
Communication Perspective
In the Works.
Skill Section: Internet Behavior.