| Popis: |
Guided by the uses and gratifications (U&G) perspective, this dissertation had three major purposes. First, it tested a model of Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) use for online relationships by investigating the influence of dispositions and motives on CMC use for communication and relationships. Second, it examined differences in CMC motives for interpersonal communication among those who had different dispositions. Third, it investigated differences in CMC use and interaction between participants in two types of online relationships. The findings supported the model of CMC use for online relationships and the U&G theoretical framework, and suggested the contribution of dispositions, CMC motives, and CMC use and interaction for predicting outcomes of using CMC. Overall, participants who perceived their face-to-face communication to be rewarding, used CMC for self-fulfillment, and disclosed their personal feelings to others tended to feel close to their online partners. Moreover, participants who used CMC for self-fulfillment and affection purposes and intended to disclose their feelings to others felt satisfied with their communication in online settings. The findings also suggest differences in CMC motives for interpersonal communication among those with different levels of communication avoidance and loneliness. Among those with low levels of communication avoidance, participants who were situationally lonely and nonlonely were more likely to use CMC for affection than those who were chronically lonely. Furthermore, online relationships influenced how CMC was used for social interaction. Participants in non-traditional relationships disclosed more information than did those in traditional long-distance relationships. However, they did not differ in their CMC use, or in their depth, honesty, intent, and positiveness of self-disclosure. The associations among the constructs in the model of CMC use for online relationships extend our knowledge of the U&G model, how and why people communicate interpersonally in CMC settings, and the influence of individual differences on CMC use for relational communication. |
