Each chapter includes “Focus,” “Reflection,” “Case for Discussion,” “Internet Investigation,” and “Concepts for Analysis.”
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.
