The effects of computer-mediated communication in military families during a deployment

Abstract

The rapid advancement of technology has impacted society in countless ways from transportation to the way one communicates. Computer-mediated communication (CMC), for instance, has allowed individuals to interact through electronics rather than face-to-face. Although critics may argue that it’s made society more anti-social, other groups of people have greatly benefited from this invention. Military families have found CMC to be very advantageous since it allows them to keep in touch with a deployed family member daily. Skype, Facetime, email, text messaging, social media and other CMC have aided the spouse and children as it has relieved them of stress and anxiety during the long separation period. It has also made it easier to communicate with other families that are going through a similar experience and to get support from family members and friends that cannot be easily reached.