Abstract
Cathcart, R., & Gumpert, G. (1986). Mediated interpersonal communication: Toward a
new typology. In G. Gumpert & R. Cathcart (Eds.), Inter/Media: Interpersonal
communication in a media world (3rd ed.) (pp. 26-40).
Cathcart and Gumpert “outline the various ways interpersonal communication
currently may be mediated and forecast a new typology to include (a) interpersonal
mediated communication, (b) media-simulated interpersonal communication, (c) personcomputer interpersonal communication, and (d) uni-communication” (39).
“Mediated interpersonal communication” refers to situations where a
technological medium is introduced into face-to-face interaction.
“Interpersonal mediated communication refers to any person-to-person interaction
where a medium has been interposed to transcend the limitations of time and space” (44).
This includes telephone conversations, letters, e-mail, etc.
Media-simulated interpersonal communication suggests the ambiguity of private
and public communication in instances such as parasocial interactions and broadcastteleparticipatory communication.
Person-computer interpersonal communication includes “any situation in which
one party activates a computer which in turn responds appropriately in a graphic,
alphanumeric, or vocal mode thereby establishing a sender/receiver relationship” (48-49).
“Uni-communication is that communication mediated by objects of clothing,
adornment, and personal possessionswhich people select and display to communicate
to others their status, affiliation, and self-esteem” (49).
Cathcart and Gumpert discuss how media is not looked at as an important
component of communication, especially in the interpersonal level. They feel that media
“should not be relegated solely to the category ‘mass communication,’ nor should it be
excluded from the other categories: interpersonal communication, group communication,
and public communication” (41).
Much of our self-image is formed from interactions with others. Cathcart and
Gumpert believe that factors influencing this image could easily come from the media.
“Obviously television, radio, and film provide feedback which reinforce, negate and/or
verify and individual’s self-image” (41).
Parasocial interactions are also important. These interactions function as
substitutes for face-to-face relationships. Cathcart and Gumpert feel that in these
situations there can only be an illusion of intimacy and friendship. They say the roles are
clearly defined and cannot be changed.
“Broadcast teleparticipatory media” is similar in this way. The sender-receiver
roles are fixed, and there is little room for callers to have freedom. Those in control of
the program view the shows as entertainment, just like media producers set up unreal
expectations and base the relationships upon “an ideal of face-to-face communication
which is seldom achieved in practice” (47).
- Amanda Troy, 3/5/03