Dr. Ringo Ma Explores the Evolution and Impact of CMC in the Digital Age
Date :
2024-12-13
Department :
International Master's Program in International Communication Studies
【Article by IMICS】
On December 10, 2024, Dr. Ringo Ma, Professor Emeritus, school of communication, Hong Con Baptist University offered his informative lecture titled”Interpersonal Communication in Mediated context”, as part of the Interpersonal Communication class under the English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) Program –International Leadership Courses in Communication, instructed by Professor Cheng Kuo.
Marking his return to the classroom after six years of retirement, Dr. Ma commenced his speech with various significant concepts of computer mediated communication (CMC) , followed by the detailed introduction of the brief history of human communication, the mediated interpersonal communication, the development of CMC, the importance of media richness and the post truth era we are living in.
He traced the origins of mediated communication, a concept that predates the digital era. He cited fascinating examples, such as the strategic use of mooncakes during the late Yuan dynasty to coordinate uprisings, and the use of carrier pigeons in ancient Europe and China to deliver letters across battlefields. These examples illustrate that while mediated communication has existed for centuries, such a preliminary idea of mediated communication is nothing new in this world.
“Johannes Gutenberg’s invention of movable-type printing was revolutionary in disseminating knowledge and enhancing literacy,” Dr. Ma noted. “Some scholars argue that social media represents the most significant communication transformation since Gutenberg’s time.” He echoed this view, gradually becoming convinced that digital platforms have fundamentally altered the dynamics of information sharing, connectivity, and even human relationships.
The concept of media richness was introduced with the emphasis on its role in determining how effectively a medium delivers information and fosters understanding. Dr. Ma connected this idea to the challenges of the digital age, particularly the post-truth era, where misinformation spreads rapidly, and media polarization intensifies societal divisions.
Reflecting on media practices, Dr. Ma contrasted the goals of traditional television networks with those of modern digital platforms. In the past, television aimed to create content that appealed to broad, diverse audiences. However, with the rise of numerous media outlets, TV companies recognized that reaching everyone was no longer feasible. As a result, they shifted their focus to catering to niche groups, a strategy that has fostered the formation of echo chambers and fueled the rise of ideological extremism.
“This shift has significantly altered the media landscape,” Dr. Ma remarked, pointing out that balanced communication is often compromised as platforms prioritize loyalty from specific audience segments, driving them to amplify polarized perspectives to maintain engagement. He explained that the post-truth era poses unique challenges, as truth often becomes secondary to emotionally driven narratives. This has resulted in a media environment where misinformation thrives and critical thinking is undermined.
Dr. Ma also touched on the impact of CMC on romantic relationships by sharing his memorable old story. Around thirty years ago, during his flight from Taipei to Hong Kong, he met a young woman who was meeting her husband for the first time in person—after months of video communication. “She had complete faith in their connection despite never meeting face-to-face,” he said. “It’s like a modern-day Romeo and Juliet, where technology replaces traditional ways of interaction in romance.”
He also speculated how historical tales like Liang Shanbo(梁山伯) and Zhu Yingtai (祝英臺) might have unfolded differently in the age of CMC. With greater opportunities for virtual interaction, he suggested, many conflicts could have been avoided, transforming tragic love stories into harmonious unions.
During the final hour of the lecture, students enthusiastically engaged in a dynamic discussion on the impact of computer-mediated communication (CMC) in the digital age. They drew comparisons between the printing revolution and the rise of social media, highlighting how the former democratized knowledge while the latter has reshaped global connectivity and cultural exchange. The conversation also delved into lifestyle transformations brought about by digital platforms, including their role in fostering business opportunities and their profound influence on personal relationships.
Students voiced skepticism toward traditional media, often seen as controlled by corporate interests, and raised critical concerns about privacy and the security of personal information on social platforms. A lively debate followed on how platforms like Facebook and Instagram embody distinct approaches to social media consumption, reflecting generational preferences and technological shifts. One student expanded the discussion by stating, “Social media is to the Internet what printing was to literacy—an essential tool that transforms our interactions and challenges us to adapt.”
Dr. Ma's lecture explored the evolution of computer-mediated communication (CMC) and its profound impact on interpersonal interactions. He prompted the audience to reflect on critical questions, such as how CMC affects the quality and quantity of communication and whether its convenience fosters or undermines meaningful connections.Drawing comparisons to traditional letter writing, he emphasized that while older methods were time-consuming and limited by physical constraints, CMC has drastically increased the volume of messages exchanged.
His nearly three-hour thought-provoking discussion traversed historical development, theoretical insights, academic debates and modern challenges on CMC , leaving students inspired and reflective on the role of mediated communication in their lives.（Author: Monika Hung, IMICS second-year student）
On December 10, 2024, Dr. Ringo Ma, Professor Emeritus, school of communication, Hong Con Baptist University offered his informative lecture titled”Interpersonal Communication in Mediated context”, as part of the Interpersonal Communication class under the English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) Program –International Leadership Courses in Communication, instructed by Professor Cheng Kuo.
Marking his return to the classroom after six years of retirement, Dr. Ma commenced his speech with various significant concepts of computer mediated communication (CMC) , followed by the detailed introduction of the brief history of human communication, the mediated interpersonal communication, the development of CMC, the importance of media richness and the post truth era we are living in.
He traced the origins of mediated communication, a concept that predates the digital era. He cited fascinating examples, such as the strategic use of mooncakes during the late Yuan dynasty to coordinate uprisings, and the use of carrier pigeons in ancient Europe and China to deliver letters across battlefields. These examples illustrate that while mediated communication has existed for centuries, such a preliminary idea of mediated communication is nothing new in this world.
“Johannes Gutenberg’s invention of movable-type printing was revolutionary in disseminating knowledge and enhancing literacy,” Dr. Ma noted. “Some scholars argue that social media represents the most significant communication transformation since Gutenberg’s time.” He echoed this view, gradually becoming convinced that digital platforms have fundamentally altered the dynamics of information sharing, connectivity, and even human relationships.
The concept of media richness was introduced with the emphasis on its role in determining how effectively a medium delivers information and fosters understanding. Dr. Ma connected this idea to the challenges of the digital age, particularly the post-truth era, where misinformation spreads rapidly, and media polarization intensifies societal divisions.
Reflecting on media practices, Dr. Ma contrasted the goals of traditional television networks with those of modern digital platforms. In the past, television aimed to create content that appealed to broad, diverse audiences. However, with the rise of numerous media outlets, TV companies recognized that reaching everyone was no longer feasible. As a result, they shifted their focus to catering to niche groups, a strategy that has fostered the formation of echo chambers and fueled the rise of ideological extremism.
“This shift has significantly altered the media landscape,” Dr. Ma remarked, pointing out that balanced communication is often compromised as platforms prioritize loyalty from specific audience segments, driving them to amplify polarized perspectives to maintain engagement. He explained that the post-truth era poses unique challenges, as truth often becomes secondary to emotionally driven narratives. This has resulted in a media environment where misinformation thrives and critical thinking is undermined.
Dr. Ma also touched on the impact of CMC on romantic relationships by sharing his memorable old story. Around thirty years ago, during his flight from Taipei to Hong Kong, he met a young woman who was meeting her husband for the first time in person—after months of video communication. “She had complete faith in their connection despite never meeting face-to-face,” he said. “It’s like a modern-day Romeo and Juliet, where technology replaces traditional ways of interaction in romance.”
He also speculated how historical tales like Liang Shanbo(梁山伯) and Zhu Yingtai (祝英臺) might have unfolded differently in the age of CMC. With greater opportunities for virtual interaction, he suggested, many conflicts could have been avoided, transforming tragic love stories into harmonious unions.
During the final hour of the lecture, students enthusiastically engaged in a dynamic discussion on the impact of computer-mediated communication (CMC) in the digital age. They drew comparisons between the printing revolution and the rise of social media, highlighting how the former democratized knowledge while the latter has reshaped global connectivity and cultural exchange. The conversation also delved into lifestyle transformations brought about by digital platforms, including their role in fostering business opportunities and their profound influence on personal relationships.
Students voiced skepticism toward traditional media, often seen as controlled by corporate interests, and raised critical concerns about privacy and the security of personal information on social platforms. A lively debate followed on how platforms like Facebook and Instagram embody distinct approaches to social media consumption, reflecting generational preferences and technological shifts. One student expanded the discussion by stating, “Social media is to the Internet what printing was to literacy—an essential tool that transforms our interactions and challenges us to adapt.”
Dr. Ma's lecture explored the evolution of computer-mediated communication (CMC) and its profound impact on interpersonal interactions. He prompted the audience to reflect on critical questions, such as how CMC affects the quality and quantity of communication and whether its convenience fosters or undermines meaningful connections.Drawing comparisons to traditional letter writing, he emphasized that while older methods were time-consuming and limited by physical constraints, CMC has drastically increased the volume of messages exchanged.
His nearly three-hour thought-provoking discussion traversed historical development, theoretical insights, academic debates and modern challenges on CMC , leaving students inspired and reflective on the role of mediated communication in their lives.（Author: Monika Hung, IMICS second-year student）