Roles and Applications of Instant Messaging Clients in Electronic Communication

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26870589
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Sociology; Library and information science/Humanistic social informatics
• Research Institution: Senshu University
• Principal Investigator: MORIMOTO Shoichi 専修大学, 経営学部, 准教授 (00433186)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 電子コミュニケーション / コミュニケーション論 / メディアリッチネス / 情報行動 / 内発的発展 / コミュニティ論 / 社会システム

Outline of Final Research Achievements

With the spread of smartphones, instant messaging client apps have replaced e-mail in electronic communication. The apps have various features and functions which enable and promote smooth communication substantially close to the real conversation. However, the apps sometimes cause crimes, troubles, and cyber bullying. Therefore, this research has clarified the influence of the features and the functions on communications ability and interpersonal relationships.
Consequently, we have learned that electronic communication with instant messaging client apps is extremely similar to face-to-face communication in the real world. The apps functions (stickers, balloon display and read/unread state) can complement nonverbal communication and prevent interpersonal troubles.

Free Research Field

情報システム学