Topic: The User Centered Nature of Awareness Creation in Computer-Mediated Communication

Speaker: Russell Haines [Website]

Affiliation: Old Dominion University, USA

Paper:

Abstract: In face-to-face contexts, information about the activities, context, emotions, etc. of others is typically available and often taken for granted. In computer-mediated communication (CMC) contexts, this awareness information must be actively signaled by users or technology. I will present a theory, developed with Kai Riemer, of the dynamic creation of awareness via computer-mediated communication illustrated by a metaphor of pools fed from streams of communication. Pools of awareness are held within users and gradually fill via signals from others. Users desire different pools to be fed and draw from the streams of interaction to feed their pools and reciprocally place information in the streams to feed the pools of others. In addition, pools drain and must be replenished when a new CMC encounter begins. I will discuss this theory in the context of recent and ongoing research projects.

About Russell Haines: Russell Haines is an Associate Professor of Information Technology at Old Dominion University. He received his B.S. and Master of Accountancy from Brigham Young University and his Ph.D. from The University of Houston. His research specializes in laboratory experiments, supply chain decision-making, ethical decision-making, and awareness in computer-mediated communication.