The Correlation between Computer Mediated Communication and Communication Apprehension

Millennials are a generation known for embracing modern technology and are known for defining much of current social culture. The reliance of Millennials on technology surpasses generations’ prior, and according to popular opinion, are a group known to “work differently from everyone else” (Smith, 2012). The research presented in this study targets Millennials—defined as individuals born in the 1980’s- 1990’s (Merriam-Webster, 2013)—by surveying university students about their preferred methods of communication as well as their levels of communication apprehension. Communication apprehension (CA) refers to a trait-like anxiety about communicating, with trait-like CA being a relatively stable personality characteristic (McCroskey, Richmond, & Davis, 1986). The research presented in this study explores the cultural stereotype that Millennials are losing their ability to communicate in face to face (F2F) interactions and are instead relying solely on their electronic communication channels. We wish to explore communication apprehension as a possible factor in the perceived reduction of face-to-face interaction