The Impacts of Computer Mediated Communication on Psychological Wellness & Social Interaction

The technology utilized today creates a society more technologically interconnected than ever before. No other time has seen such a tethering to computers and phones as much as we see today– especially given the shift to online work, school, and visitations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Though the change may have been inevitable, the expedited response has resulted in revealing public reactions and findings. This transition from formerly face-to-face methods of communication to digital ones may seem all damaging, but the impacts of Computer Mediated Communication (or CMC) as we shift to an ‘always on’ culture are varied and complicated (Wall, 2014). What Bazarova and Taylor coined as ‘connected availability’, or “the perception that a partner is at a continuous (digital) arm’s reach” is an effect that extends both to psychological wellness and social interaction (2021, p. 1). This essay will discuss how a growing internet presence and inability to disconnect may impact a person. 

A more prevalent internet presence alone is possibly powerful enough to change our cognition. The World Psychiatry Journal compiled an entry of the many possible concerns with the rising usage of phones, computers, and the many technologies within the internet. In it, the authors found that a handful of studies have shown a detriment on one’s attention span or completing cognitive tasks when that individual regularly multitasks online (Firth et al, 2019). This could mean that, while the internet offers many platforms and more access to multiple forms of media, that very variety could inhibit one’s ability to focus. 

Not only this, but Firth and their colleagues also discovered that one’s memory could be impacted by a rise in their use of the internet. They explain that if an individual knows they will have future access to certain information from the internet, they may be more likely to remember where to find the information, instead of the content of the information itself (Firth et al, 2019). So while a wealth of information may be more available than ever before, some individuals may struggle remembering that information for the future. The authors find that this phenomenon of “offloading” information to another entity is not unique to the internet itself, but that the internet does distinguish itself by replacing books, teachers, and other forms of connection, as it stores information of all kinds on demand (Firth et al, 2019). 

However, the social impacts of Computer Mediated Communication are not all bleak. In fact, the impacts to interpersonal relationships and employment come with mixed reviews. As Firth et al expands, “Social relationships and having a sense of connection are important determinants of happiness and stress relief, mental and physical well-being, and even mortality”, which comes as great news when interaction through internet platforms (from social media to video conference apps) is ever-increasing (Firth et al, 2019). This sense of connectedness may provide individuals with a sense of social support, especially in relationships that also take place outside of the screen. In Taylor and Bazarova’s study on the impact of ‘connected availability’ on romantic partnerships, the researchers found that constant connection through texts, calls, and other forms of CMC improved the overall well-being of both partners, with no negative impact to their stress levels (Bazarova & Taylor, 2021). This demonstrates some of the positive results of CMC and its everyday use. 

Nonetheless, the social impact of Computer Mediated Communication does remain mixed, as employees demonstrate different preferences after experiencing digital working environments. Matthew Wall of the BBC explains that “For some people, portable connected devices have… given them more autonomy over their working lives… For many others though, smartphones have become tyrants in our pockets, never allowing us to switch off” (Wall, 2014). The access to technology has been critical in the COVID-19 pandemic for this very reason, showing employers the costs and benefits of a digital workplace. Rahul De’ and their colleagues found that while the COVID-era switch to digital desks may help productivity, it can drastically increase stress levels of employees (De’ et al, 2020). What the researchers deem ‘technostress’ results from requiring employees to repeat the very task that causes cognitive strain while using the internet: multitasking with different forms of media (De’ et al, 2020). This explains much of the cited burnout and stress that came along with the pandemic, and is seen in digital workers outside of it as well.

Not only this, but De’ et al echoes the statements in our class readings, finding that individuals that have trouble securing access to such important technologies are more isolated than ever (De’ et al, 2020). The losers of CMC then become those that cannot reliably interact over the internet, as they lose out on opportunities to form social connections, miss out on jobs, and the possible interpersonal benefits of online connectedness. In a time where plenty of people are unable to see each other or work in person, this becomes even more harrowing. 

While myths about the impacts of Computer Mediated Communication may continue to dominate the media, research can demonstrate the revolutionary potential of such technology as well as its potential drawbacks. And while we continue to learn how CMC affects individuals through psychological wellness and social interaction, the technology that connects us continues to change.