Conclusion
This thesis has sought to explore the nature of relationship formation on IRC by recourse to three theories. These theories showed that relationships formed on IRC bore many similarities to FTF relationships, however, because new technology reshapes human relationships and because of the specific medium of CMC and its absence of physical presence, it was shown that communication on IRC is developed in a specific nature as users adapt to the weaknesses and strengths of the medium. As a result, this thesis showed that IRC developed a communicative richness, novel ways of expressing information and emotional meaning in relationship formation.
This thesis also explored, however, the nature of the presentation and perception of self in CMC in contrast to the relatively simple notions of self expressed in the relationship formation theories. It was suggested that the peculiar nature of CMC and its absence of physical presence, highlights the extent to which the self presented in relationships is relatively fluid depending on issues such as context. Using Goffman (1969) this thesis explored the various dimensions of the self on IRC.
It was also noted, however, that IRC like all communications technologies is inserted and developed in the context of existing social relations. It explored therefore the way in which traditional forms of power are negotiated on IRC focusing particularly on the question of gender but also the way in which new forms of power relations are developed through the new medium.
Despite the radical changes that CMC has brought in altering human communication and the formation of relationships, these processes are in fact reproductions of traditional forms of communication. Cyberspace will not be the means through which inherent inequalities and differences are broken down, but through the recognition by humans that no matter how they communicate they are bringing themselves to that act and that it is themselves that have to be changed.
The issues raised and discussed in the thesis are still important for understanding the use of CMC for human communication. Still, issues such as power and difference, especially in relation to gender need to be investigated further to gain a deeper understanding the complete impact that such a medium will have on human communication in the future.