This paper presents the results of an experimental study conducted to determine the extent to which these gender-based communication asymmetries, in a CMC context, are affected by the use of pseudonyms. Users don't see each other's faces or hear each other's voices.
Transmitted information is limited to text content easily controlled by the sender.
This potential can be compounded with the use of pseudonyms, resulting in the ability for CMC participants to either conceal or mask identifying attributes such as gender. By controlling identifying attributes, CMC users might feel less constrained by the gender-based stereotypes and social expectations which dictate communication behavior. However, unlike the previous study, the present study reveals changes in gender-based communication style accompanying the use of pseudonyms.