Nonlinear Multi Dimensional Structure of Computer-mediated Communication

Nonlinear Multi Dimensional Structure of Computer-mediated Communication

This paper will explain the nonlinear and multi dimensional structure of Computermediated Communication (CMC) through applying the concept of schisming. Previous researchers analyzed CMC in linear and single dimensional order, regarding it as incoherent and chaotic. CMC is, hwoever, well sustained and its participants are successful in communication despite superficial incoherence. This paper will present a nonlinear and multi dimensional approach as an alternative. To this end, the comparison of CMC with face-to-face conversation (FTF) through schisming will be done. FTF shows a linear structure that does not adopt schisming as a basic mode of discourse, but CMC shows a nonlinear and multi dimensional structure since it can be constructed only through schisming. In each schesming-driven sequence, CMC maintains structural coherence, and CMC as a whole is constructed as co-occurrence of multiple coherenct sequences.