ABSTRACT
Although much attention has been given to what is lost in computer-mediated electronic communication, there may also be some gains due to the absence of nonverbal cues. For example. the lack of feedback cues may reduce social interaction anxiety and induce people to be more open and willing to disclose personal information (Sproul & Kiesler, 1991). In addition, research on electronic as opposed to face-to-face "brainstorming" (a group strategy intended to stimulate the generation of creative ideas), suggests that electronic groups may be more productive. partly due to the decreased arousal and evaluation anxiety (not to mention the inability to show nonverbal displeasure) in computer mediated brainstorming groups (Paulus & DZindolet. 1993).
