Anonymity, group size, and proximity

Anonymity, group size, and proximity are all major factors in CMC and can often have both positive and negative influences on group decision making and group success.

Some positive effects of anonymity are that stereotypes and body language and expressions are generally dismissed. If you don't know the person you are communicating with, while you may make some assumptions, there is a good chance you won't make any stereotypes based on race, gender, age, or looks. Similarly, group size can be good if it is small because that way a couple people can limit ideas, and if it is large, many ideas can be bounced around. Finally, proximity is important because if people respond quickly, they are more likely to be heard and the group is likely to utilize some of the earlier ideas rather than jump on late-comers.

There can be some downsides to these as well. Anonymity can be a bad thing because it can limit the connection the group feels and how well it communicates. Some people may figure that since it is anonymous they don't have to try as hard, and they may feel like they are less important, or that others are less important than them. Group size can be tough as well because a small group online can leave too much for the group members to handle, and large groups of course can cause confusion and too much information flow. Finally, proximity can be a problem because everyone could be speaking (or trying to communicate) all at once and some messages will get lost. Similarly, if everyone is further away from each other, the culture and thought climate could be different. Someone in Japan is likely having different experiences and has different feelings and ideas than I do.