machinemediated

Machinemediated, often referred to as machine-mediated communication (MMC), is the exchange of information between individuals or groups where a computer or other machine serves as the intermediary in the communication process. In MMC, messages are created, transmitted, and interpreted through digital devices and networks, rather than through direct human-to-human contact or purely mechanical channels.

MMC encompasses a wide range of modalities, including asynchronous channels like email, forums, and messaging apps, and synchronous channels like video conferencing, live chat, and telepresence systems. It spans text, audio, video, and increasingly multimodal formats, and can involve interactions with automated agents, bots, or AI assistants as part of the mediation process.

Advantages of MMC include broad reach, rapid dissemination, persistent records, and the ability to collaborate across distances. Disadvantages include reduced nonverbal cues, potential for miscommunication, privacy and surveillance risks, algorithmic filtering, platform fragmentation, and the digital divide.

Academic study of MMC intersects communication studies, human-computer interaction, information science, and organizational studies. Researchers examine communication outcomes, platform affordances, user behavior, moderation policies, and the social, ethical, and political implications of mediated environments.

See also: computer-mediated communication; online communication; digital platforms; e-learning.