Social Identification and Interpersonal Communication in Computer-Mediated Communication: What You Do Versus Who You Are in Virtual Groups

摘要: This study investigates the influence of interpersonal communication and intergroup identification on members' evaluations computer-mediated groups. Participants (N = 256) in 64 four-person groups interacted through synchronous computer chat. Subgroup assignments to minimal instilled significantly greater in-group versus out-group identification. One member each group was instructed exhibit interpersonally likable or dislikable behavior. Analysis revealed that confederates acting likably were more attractive than those dislikably regardless their status. Further results indicated behavior with subgroup membership shifts following online discussions. Interpersonal dynamics generally provided stronger effects members virtual did dynamics, contrast predictions from previous applications social communication.