INTERPERSONAL EFFECTS IN COMPUTER-MEDIATED INTERACTION - A METAANALYSIS OF SOCIAL AND ANTISOCIAL COMMUNICATION

This study examined the effects of time restriction on social interaction in computer-mediated communication through a meta-analysis of applicable research. Time was defined as whether subjects were restricted or unrestricted in their opportunity to exchange messages. Studies were included that assessed either of two outcome variables: socially oriented (as opposed to task-oriented) communication, and negative/uninhibited communication. Hypotheses were derived from Walther's social information processing perspective. Meta-analytic tests supported the hypotheses on social communication. Although no effects were found on negative/uninhibited communication, a reexamination of original studies suggests caution regarding previous findings.