Computer mediated communication theories and phenomena: Factors that influence collaboration over the Internet

The Internet as a communication and social environment is one of the hot topics in psychology and communication research. Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) is an interdisciplinary field that analyses various phenomena that arise from the use of the Internet for human communication. The theories of CMC are briefly outlined in the paper as well as the research findings that support these theories. Various psychosocial phenomena that are related to the use of the Internet are also illustrated. Finally, conclusions are drawn regarding the impact of the Internet related psychosocial phenomena and of the results of CMC research on collaboration and teamwork over the Internet.