Computer-mediated communication (CMC) includes communication tools for conveying written text via the Internet. This would include instant messaging, chat rooms, e-mailing, and other forms of online communication. How does online communication compare to face-to-face communication? Are gender differences readily apparent in online conversation? Does online communication foster emotionally disconnected or superficial relationships? There is research that indicates that there are indeed gender differences in communication styles on the Internet (Baron, 2004; Sussman & Tyson, 2000).
Women have been found to have an easier time making their voices heard online than in a face-to-face conversation, and use more “smileys” and other emoticons (e — MOTE-ick-cons) online than men (Baron, 2004; B. P. Bailey et al., 2003). These often serve to express emotion but may deflect from the seriousness of the women’s statements. Emoticons can be compared to tag questions during face-to-face conversations. It’s also important to point out that researchers who study online communication have no sure way of knowing the gender of the people online. In fact, it has been suggested that people create “virtual identities” online (McAdams, 1996). A man can claim to be a woman or a child could claim to be an adult. Our “virtual identities” are temporary but they affect our online personae.
Online communication can help establish intimate relationships. It can reduce the role that physical characteristics play in the development of attraction and enhance rapport and self-disclosure. These conditions promote erotic connections that develop out of emotional intimacy rather than physical attraction. Online communication may also reduce the overly constraining gender roles that are automatically in place in face-to-