ABSTRACT
Most research in technologically mediated communication takes place outside of the psychoanalytic field, in such disciplines as behaviour and information technology and human–computer studies, and that is where we need to begin in order to explore the foundations of effective computer-mediated communication. The majority of the work done in the area of computer-mediated communication originated with the aim of providing effective communication channels in work situations. It is interesting that the quality of communication where the subjects were co-present but out of sight was ranked at least as high as full audio–visual communication. The capacity for joint attention has importance for communication in general, technologically mediated communication, and psychoanalytic communication in particular. Trust is very tenuous in the world of technologically mediated communication. Yet, it is a necessary condition not only in the work environment, but in all relationships. The use of the Internet encourages rapid skimming of the surface of incoming data and picking out the relevant details.
