Currently, computer mediated communication is a fast growing type of communication which is also a popular research topic. Thanks to computer mediated communication, people can get to know each other and communicate with another person without knowing the other person in real life. In addition to this, two perspectives are formulated: the lost perspective and the liberated perspective. The liberated perspective suggests that due to the lack of physical communication through the new media, real and interpersonal relationships can be formed. The opposite of the liberated perspective is the lost perspective; this perspective suggests that it is impossible to form a close friendship over the Internet because relationships via the Internet are seen as superficial and impersonal precisely by the absence of physical communication.
To solve the problem of absence of physical communication, Dr. M.L. Antheunis, who is a researcher of the Tilburg University, investigates the possibilities of using an eye catcher during computer mediated communication. With an eye catcher it is possible to have eye contact with the person with who one is talking to via the computer. Eye catcher is an extensive version of Skype and it will give the user the opportunity to have more physical communication with the other person. When eye catcher is available for the normal user and this study about the eye catcher is finished a new research can be done in which researchers investigate the effects of eye catcher on relationships. With these researches it is possible to make clear decisions about the lost and liberated perspectives. Which perspective will be remaining, the lost or the liberated?
Interview Dr. M.L. Antheunis
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