THE MESSAGING THRESHOLD IN COMPUTER-MEDIATED COMMUNICATION

This study examines the effects of text-based computer-mediated commun ication on group interaction. Fourteen four-person teams were trained to use a networked computer system to produce a sequence of written re ports either face-to-face (FTF), or from separate locations using a co mputer-mediated communication (CMC) system. Results showed that CMC te ams took longer to complete their work, but produced reports of equiva lent quality to FTF teams. Comparisons of interaction processes reveal ed a shortfall of social-emotional reactions and task-oriented request s in CMC interactions, but an increase in ingroup-oriented exchanges. Results are interpreted as evidence of a messaging threshold in CMC, i n which the decision to send a message depends on the urgency and rele vance of the message in relation to the costs associated with its comm unication. Implications of this threshold for understanding social int eraction in CMC groups are discussed.