Computer-Mediated Communication and Social Information: Status Salience and Status Differences

Abstract

Many studies have found that groups that interact by computer-mediated communication (CMC) technologies are less prone to domination by high-status members than are face-to-face groups. We report here the results of three experiments designed to investigate participation and influence equality in mixed-status groups. Status differences persisted in both face-to-face and electronic groups. We suggest that status labels and impressions based on them have a larger impact on participation and influence than do communication media.