The Digital Chameleon: Factors Affecting Perceptions of Convergence in Computer-Mediated Communication

Abstract

Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) is a framework used to analyze and predict linguistic and behavioral adjustments within interpersonal communication. As computer-mediated communication (CMC) becomes more prevalent, applying this framework provides insight into interpersonal communication via a screen. Two studies explored CAT applied to CMC with participants observing linguistic adjustments in text-message screenshots. Results indicated that likability, empathy, gender, and textisms each play a role in how we perceive and interact with others during digital communications. Implications are discussed.