A Social Influence Model of Flaming in Computer-mediated Communication

This paper explores the phenomenon of "flaming," which has been typically cited as an antisocial effect of computer-mediated communication. The paper discusses the diverse range of conceptual and operational definitions of flaming found in the literature. The paper offers a four-point critique of previous theoretical explanations of flaming, and suggests an alternative definition of flaming, which asserts both a behavioral and interpretive dimension to flaming. Drawing from the work of J. Fulk, J. Schmitz, and C. W. Steinfield, the paper then develops a social influence model of flaming that provides.a more flexible and powerful approach than previous theories, while yielding potentially useful insights to guide future research. A figure representing the model is included. (Contains 56 references.) (RS) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ie