5 - Mode Comparison and Coexistence

Summary

This chapter explores the nature of modern multimodal relationships from a both/and rather than either/or perspective. It explores channel switching, which tracks the flow of communication through multiple media between relational partners. This chapter systematically reviews research that compares modalities to directly address the idea that face-to-face (FtF) communication has greater primacy as a mode of interaction. The chapter discusses the degree to which the privileging of FtF in contemporary and classic CMC research is appropriate and consistent with empirical evidence. This chapter summarizes the different uses of channels and the empirical evidence of differences between channels based on relationship outcomes, such as relatedness and loneliness. The chapter concludes with a review of layers of electronic intimacy, which demonstrates how modality map onto relationship closeness.