Theories of Computer-Mediated Communication and Interpersonal Relations

C omputer-mediated communication (CMC) systems, in a variety of forms, have become integral to the initiation, development , and maintenance of interpersonal relationships. They are involved in the subtle shaping of communication in almost every relational context. We may observe or participate in the conversations of huge numbers of social actors, from the Twitter messages of experts we have never met to one's family's blog and from mes-saging a barely acquainted Facebook friend to coordinating with one's spouse through texting about who will pick up the kids that day or saying via e-mail that one is sorry about the fight they had that morning. Individuals exploit the features of these media to make their best impression and attract attention or to ward off unde-sired contacts (Tong & Walther, 2011a). We continually form and reform our impressions and evaluations of others online, from deciding whose recommendations to trust in discussion boards (Van Der Heide, 2008) to evaluating the friend who portrays himself online in a not quite accurate way (DeAndrea & Walther, in press). Although many people perceive that social media messages are trivial and banal, so is the stuff by which relationships are maintained The ubiquity of CMC is not sufficient impetus for it to be a focus of study in interpersonal communication research. How CMC changes our messages—how they are constructed, whether for specific relational purposes or with lesser or greater effect—remain important questions that continue to drive inquiry in interpersonal CMC research. How does the Internet affect the likelihood of having relationships? With whom? And how do we manage these relationships? How do disclosures and affectations influence others and ourselves, and how do online interpersonal processes affect the instrumental and group dynamics that technology enables? How do we exploit existing technologies for relational purposes, and how do we evade the potential dampening effects that technologies otherwise may impose on relational communication? How do technology