Write a paragraph developing the following claim.
 
     1.  There are 6 pieces of supporting material.  Decide what you will use for support.

     2.  Paraphrase most of the supporting material.

     3.  If you decide to use a quotation, be selective.

     4.  Incorporate the supporting material into the paragraph in a way that makes its connection to your claim clear to the reader.

The claim: Computer mediated communication enhances interpersonal relationships because anonymity increases self-disclosure.

The supporting material:

1. “Relationships established via a computer connection are founded on the basis of common commitments just as face-to-face relationships by people in physical proximity share a common connection.  Similarity brings people together to have a relationship no matter what the medium for that communication” ( Brown, 1994, p. 16).

2. “Social penetration theory suggests that individuals develop relationships as they increase the breadth and depth of self-disclosure.  Breadth is the number of topics that involve disclosure while depth is the level of intimacy involved in the disclosure” (Klink, 1984, p. 131).

3. “A prominent characteristic of online communication is the high level of disclosure.  In this study, statements made online average a 6.2 on a 7 point intimacy disclosure scale. Whatever barriers exist to self-disclosure in other environments are removed online. We also found that online comments are perceived as below the midpoint on civility. This suggests that those online are more willing to tell others about themselves but do it more abrasively” (Smith, 1997, p. 63).

4. “Individuals sit facing a computer screen and no one need know who they are. This anonymity facilitates intimate disclosures. It is similar to the stranger on the airplane phenomena. It is more acceptable to disclose to this stranger because there will not be future contact and thus they are more anonymous. In online relationships, the individual behind the monitor can control whether there will be any future contact as well as what information will be revealed” (Adams, 1990, p. 48).

5. “In chat rooms, it is not uncommon to find messages that reveal painful experiences and feelings.  In a chat room dedicated to relationships, participants explain their relationship difficulties at length and receive advice and support from others” (Harridan, 1996, p. 82).

6. “In a survey of newsgroup users, 40% reported that they had formed an online friendship and 8% indicated they had developed an online romantic relationship” (Sloan, 1999, p. 104).

Prepared by Pam Benoit and Kelly Berg-Nellis to accompany Communication 104: Controversies in Communication.  Suggestions or comments are welcome.  ©Pam Benoit, Professor, University of Missouri.  Last updated 02/04/04 by Greg G. Armfield.