Conversation analysis, cyberpsychology and online interaction

Abstract

In this paper, I explore how conversation analysis can be used as a method for analysing online interaction. As the number and quantity of online communication platforms have proliferated, there has been a growing interest in social psychology about the impact and effectiveness of online, text-based communication. A number of theories have been used and developed to explain how online communication might impact upon relationships and effective communication. However, this paper argues that in order to explore the differences between online and offline interaction an analysis of online behaviour is needed. Conversation analysis allows for an in-depth, sequential and discursive analysis of real-life online interactions. It can explore the ways in which the affordances of the interactional platforms are oriented to or made relevant in the interaction. The utility of conversation analysis is demonstrated through a number of examples, highlighting how this method can be used to broaden our understanding of how online communication works in practice.