Interaction in Chat Rooms

LM350 Computer Mediated Communication

What’s IRC?

• Form of online communication that allows apparently synchronous text-based interaction between multiple users in any geographical location where the program can be run

• Server, channel (chanop, sysop)• Users download software, e.g. MSN

which provides a “talkline” and a chat window

Who’s who?

• User• Chanop - initiate and moderate a

channel. Can “kick” users off channel• Sysop or Oper - controls and

moderates IRC network. Can moderate and kick off anyone on any channel, send mail to all users etc.

Where does it fit in? Pre-CMC

Synchronous Asynchronous

Same place

Different place

Where does it fit in? Pre-CMC

Synchronous Asynchronous

Same place Face to face talking

Different place

Where does it fit in? Pre-CMC

Synchronous Asynchronous

Same place Face to face talking

Different place

Not possible until telephone

Where does it fit in? Pre-CMC

Synchronous Asynchronous

Same place Face to face talking

Leaving note

Different place

Not possible until telephone

Where does it fit in? Pre-CMC

Synchronous Asynchronous

Same place Face to face talking

Leaving a note

Different place

Not possible until telephone

Letters

Where does it fit in? CMC

Synchronous Asynchronous

Same place chat

Different place

Where does it fit in? CMC

Synchronous Asynchronous

Same place chat

Different place

Chat, video conferencing

Where does it fit in? CMC

Synchronous Asynchronous

Same place chat Email, bulletin board

Different place

Chat, video conferencing

Where does it fit in? CMC

Synchronous Asynchronous

Same place chat Email, bulletin board

Different place

Chat, video conferencing

Email, bulletinboard

How is it different from face to face conversation?

• Non-presence• No voice, gesture, etc• Multi-voice - what happens to turn

taking?

• Policed by chanop

Setting normsBalou Gal: How’s everyone?Timgodden:MICHAEL JOLIFFEEGLV: I want to major in advertisingTimgodden:HES COOLEGLV: LOL FanEGLV: tim please lower your capsTimgodden:MICHAEL JOLIFFEDragonrider: Timgodden, UPPERCASE is

normally used for adding EMPHASIS! Otherwise it’s considered SHOUTING (and

harder to read).

What’s the fuss?

• Lack of physical presence & opportunity for play/deception via misleading identities leads to moral panics, especially around children/sex/paedophile

Moral panic?

• Cohen (1972) Folk Devils & Moral Panics• http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/factual/

thinkingallowed_20030430.shtml

• moral panic; an occurrence which is characterised by ‘stylized and stereotypical’ representation by the mass media, and a tendency for those ‘in power’ (politicians, bishops, editors and so on) to man the ‘moral barricades’ and pronounce judgement.

Moral panic?

• According to Goode & Ben-Yehuda (1994) " A moral panic is characterised by a feeling held by a substantial number of a members of a given society, that evil-doers pose a threat to society and to the moral order as a consequence of their behaviour and, therefore, "something should be done about them and their behaviour".

Moral panics?

• Mods and Rockers• Elvis Presley• James Bulger, child violence • Satanic rituals• Catholic church & child abuse• Drugs, e.g. Leah Betts & ecstasy• AIDS• Asylum seekers

Media & Moral panics?

• Horror comics• Rock and roll• James Bulger, child violence & video

violence (1993)• Columbine shootings & video

violence• Rap music • Chat