Relational Maintenance and Computer-Mediated Communication: Understanding the role of new technologies

• In Event: Media, Modes, and Codes

Abstract

Although relational maintenance has a rich research history within interpersonal communication, there has yet to be a true integration of or focus on the role of new media in maintenance processes. The following piece reviews current and past research, suggests novel extensions of existing maintenance theories, and offers new theoretical developments. We suggest that popular internet communication technologies such as email, social networking websites, and microblogging are changing the dynamics of relational maintenance.

Authors

• Stephanie Tong, Michigan State University

• Joseph Walther, Michigan State University