Researchers are being forced to develop new concepts of human communication, Corman says. Specifically, researchers need to address the fact that people are interacting more and more with machines and less and less with people. Computer technology traps messages in a way that is totally unique to everyday communication. This type of interaction has a permanence about it that really does strange things to the communication process. At the touch of a button, any individual's sphere of influence can increase as access to other Web sites increase.
Constituents think it makes the people in Washington, D.C., a lot more observable.
Corman thinks that politicians are beginning to feel that exposure a bit more. For more information about the Public Communication Technology Project, contact Steven R. Corman, Ph.D. , Department of Communication, College of Public Programs, 480.965.3830.