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Two Conversations for One: Synchronous Multimodal Communication

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Two Conversations for One: Synchronous Multimodal Communication TWO CONVERSATIONS FOR ONE: SYNCHRONOUS MULTIMODAL COMMUNICATION A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences of Georgetown University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Arts in Communication, Culture and Technology By Shannon Elizabeth Mair, B.A. Washington, DC August 5th, 2020 Copyright 2020 by Shannon Elizabeth Mair All Rights Reserved ii TWO CONVERSATIONS FOR ONE: SYNCHRONOUS MULTIMODAL COMMUNICATION Shannon Elizabeth Mair, B.A. Thesis Advisor: Jeanine W Turner, Ph. D. Abstract Multicommunication is "two or more overlapping, synchronous conversations" (Reinsch, Turner, and Tinsley, 2008, p.391). The study of multicommunication has not explored the potential to have multiple conversations with the same person synchronously. An in-class discussion uncovered many online posts on "having two conversations with the same person at the same time, but keeping them separate," yet found no academic literature on this behavior (Sam1896121, n.d.). By analyzing existing multicommunication research, this paper will outline and discuss how computer-mediated communication and instant messaging-interfaces increase the number of conversations possible with one audience. This paper seeks to understand better how technology has changed communication behavior and to explore and define to what extent, if at all, the ability to have multiple conversations with the same person synchronously fits in with existing multicommunication research. For this study, Synchronous Multimodal Communication (SMC) is the behavior of having multiple conversations on separate platforms with one set of participants at the same time. An exploratory study of 15 in-depth interviews with individuals who use or used social media. Limitations of the study are small sample size and narrow field of study. All participants interviewed expressed the belief that having "multiple conversations with the same person at the same time" is possible. The findings consist of two sections: the first defines and explores (analysis of) the themes discussed in the interviews; the iii second constructs a behavioral framework. The findings show that the number of people does not determine if a behavior is perceived as multicommunication. Inconsistency amongst interviewees regarding the level of closeness when initiating SMC. The number of topics discussed impacts conversation. The platform compartmentalizes each conversation and determines how topics of conversation begin. Channel switching results in both conversations merging into a single conversation. iv Acknowledgement I dedicate this Thesis and research to my Grandparents, who believed in growth, education, and gezelligheid. I want to express my most profound appreciation to my intelligent and compassionate advisors, Dr. Turner and Dr. Tinkcom. Your guidance, patience, and understanding enabled me to maneuver the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic without giving up on my work. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Dr. Owen and my thesis colloquium for your valuable advice, support, and friendship during this hectic time. To my dear friends and kindhearted roommates, thank you for your willingness to help and listen. My sincere thanks to all of the participants interviewed. 2020 is a chaotic year. Thank you to all the essential workers, first responders, and people who care about the lives and well-being of others. Lastly, I cannot leave Georgetown University without mentioning my Mom, Dad, and Sister for providing me with unwavering support and continuous encouragement for everything I do. Thank you for believing in me even when I stopped believing in myself, this thesis would not have been possible without you. Many thanks, Shannon Mair v Table of Contents Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1 Literature Review............................................................................................................................ 3 Computer-Mediated Communication ......................................................................................... 3 Uses and Gratifications ............................................................................................................... 4 Social Interaction .................................................................................................................... 5 Information Seeking................................................................................................................ 5 Convenience Utility ................................................................................................................ 6 Communicatory Utility ........................................................................................................... 6 Information Sharing ................................................................................................................ 7 Multitasking and Synchronous Communication ......................................................................... 7 Channel Switching ...................................................................................................................... 9 What is Multicommunication ................................................................................................... 11 Synchronous Multimodal Communication ................................................................................... 16 History of Instant Message Communication................................................................................. 19 Early Modern Instant Messaging .............................................................................................. 20 Messaging on Mobile Devices .................................................................................................. 21 Smartphone Instant Messaging Applications and Social Media............................................... 22 Interpersonal Communication Apps ......................................................................................... 22 Publicly-shared Content Platforms aka Social Media .............................................................. 23 Private, Direct, and Personal Messages on a Social Media App .............................................. 23 vi 2020 and the COVID-19 Global Pandemic .............................................................................. 24 Methodology ................................................................................................................................. 27 Outcomes of This Paper ............................................................................................................ 29 Coding ....................................................................................................................................... 33 When does SMC happen? ..................................................................................................... 33 Where do people do SMC? ................................................................................................... 34 How do people SMC? ........................................................................................................... 36 When does SMC end? ........................................................................................................... 37 Findings and Analysis ................................................................................................................... 38 Behavior Pertaining to Synchronous Multimodal Communication .......................................... 38 Definitional Variations.............................................................................................................. 40 Segmented and Evolving Definitions ................................................................................... 40 Behavior Consistent in the Sense of "Two Platforms," Two "Conversations" and One Person .................................................................................................................................... 41 Role of Platforms ...................................................................................................................... 41 Pre-existing Shared Content (PSC) versus Organic.............................................................. 41 Role of Topic ............................................................................................................................ 44 Closeness (Relationship) ....................................................................................................... 46 Reach of Conversations ............................................................................................................ 50 Termination of Synchronous Multimodal Communication ..................................................... 51 Merging ................................................................................................................................. 51 vii Impatience "Respond to My Other Message" ....................................................................... 52 Cognitive Load, i.e., "Let's Just Message Here, It's Easier" ................................................. 53 Dying Off .............................................................................................................................. 55 Non-SMC Discussion on COVID-19 and Beyond ....................................................................... 56 Proposed Synchronous Multimodal
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