Title? Since the dawn of humanity, communication has served as societal glue.

Originally existing only as the spoken word and body language, the development of written language began to become a method of building, maintaining and cementing relationships and performing the day-to-day functions of an individuals or a groups life within the societal context. The development of telephones, radio and television further changed the ways in which humans communicated and related to one another, but it is within the last two decades though that the most monumental changes in human history have taken place with regard to how we communicate and how our interpersonal relationships function. The development and widespread usage of cellular telephones, texting, social media and other forms of computer-mediated communication (CMC) in particular have forever altered the interpersonal communications and relationship functioning in American society. This paper is an exploration of those changes. The now ubiquitous cellular phone plays an important role in Americans daily lives. Most people know of someone who is seemingly surgically attached to his or her phone. But how has this changed the very nature of how we relate to each other? Unquestionably, cellular phones offer increased communication, which can positively affect a relationship, but differences in expectations and frequency can create tension. And differing opinions as to what types of communications with others (and also who those others are) are appropriate can lead to disagreements. Developing and following cell phone usage rules may help partners avoid the relational repercussions of managing calls and texts in ways that partners view as inappropriate or unacceptable. (Miller-Ott) According to John Suler, Professor of Psychology at Rider University, the major drawback of texting on ones phone is context. How does one express tone, sarcasm, humor and feeling with a few written sentences? Indeed, Sulers research shows that one cannot communicate those concepts

effectively. An individuals cues of facial expression, body language, and voice dynamics are lost in text communications. These cues convey emotion and context. Text communications also occur in relative, rather than absolute temporal contexts. In other words, since feedback is not instantaneous as it is in face-to-face communication, many things, such as apathy, can be falsely inferred. This can and often does lead to confusion, ambiguity, miscommunication and conflict. This research indicated that, particularly when dealing with intimate relationships but with others as well, setting guidelines and establishing expectations in regards to the rules of texting are vitally important in order to avoid relationship conflict. In regards to texting, it seems that quantity and quality of computer-mediated communication (CMC) play an important role in modern interpersonal relationships, too. In a study conducted by Dr. Joseph McGlynn at the University of Texas, results showed that the quality and quantity of communications positively affected peoples perceptions of the amount of support that they receive from family, colleagues and friends. Quantitative increases in CMC resulted in greater relationship satisfaction. Also, as McGlynn states, Results further suggested that CMC enabled participants to more effectively manage relational tensions of autonomy verses connection and openness verses closedness. He continues: This increase in breadth and depth of self-disclosure can greatly influence relationship development and impression formation. Increased self-disclosure also influences emotional expression in both primary and secondary CMC relationships. Succinctly, McGlynns research shows that CMC aids in effectively managing relationship tension regarding openness, and also increases the amount and quality of the feelings and self-expression that people are willing to share with others. This increase in breadth and depth of self-disclosure can greatly influence relationship development and impression formation. Increased self-disclosure also influences emotional expression in both primary and secondary CMC relationships. (McGlynn) This aspect of CMC unquestionably can contribute positively to stronger

relationship bonds, particularly among introverted persons who normally would be less willing to share their feelings and thoughts within the confines of face-to-face communication (Cortese). An even more recent development in technology is the explosion of social media. Facebook, Twitter and numerous niche sites have many millions of users, and provide those users with a variety of ways to share their thoughts, life experiences and feelings with those who they have accepted into their social networks. Facebook is currently the unquestioned king of social media in the United States. One recent study explored how men and women reacted to changes in their intimate partners Facebook profile. It examined several aspects of the site, but particularly focused on how a simple change in a profiles relationship status was received. The results of the study were clear: for males, a change in their Facebook profiles to reflect their new partnership showed a strong correlation to relationship satisfaction. With females, a change in their profile picture to include their partner had a high relationship satisfaction correlation. Both men and women in the study reported disagreements with his or her partner, friends and acquaintances due to Facebook. Facebook is paradoxically linked with both improvements and dissatisfaction in relationships, and Facebook communication with a friend improves the relationships offline closeness. The findings point to the unique role that Facebook disagreements play in relationship functioning. Today, cyberspace has become the domain in which we tell the world about our friends, colleagues, associates and partners.

Review by Ashia Neal