Computer-Mediated Communication and Predictors of Success In Long-distance Same and Cross-sex Friendships.

• In Event: From Facebook to the Book of Love: Maintaining close relationships across channels, distance, type, and gender composition

Abstract

This study seeks to expand research in the areas of computer-mediated communication (CMC) and relational maintenance by contributing to a growing, albeit limited body, of research concerning how friends maintain long-distance friendships through computer technologies. Few studies have analyzed traditional and media-based relational maintenance strategies as predictors for whether friendships remain close or casual as they switch from geographically-close to long-distance. This study aims to understand the central processes to the success of close, long-distance friendships.

Authors

• Nicholas Brody, University of Texas, Austin

• Paul Mongeau, Arizona State University