## 2 Literature Review and Hypotheses  
### Media Richness  
Media richness theory believes that the richness of information relies on the capacity of communicating information by the media. A communicating media is considered as a 'rich media' when the targeted audiences can better understand the information transmitted. Conversely, if more time is required to understand the information received, then it is considered as a 'lean media' [16; 17]. The level of media richness has four key features; namely the availability of immediate feedback; use of multiple cues; language variety; and personal focus which have significant effects on information equivocality and uncertainty [16; 17]. [PERSON] et al. [18] state that the efficacy of the organization depends on the extent to which media richness conforms to the information required by the task and further propose that the use and cognition of media are the dynamic combinations of people and technology. On the other hand, [PERSON] and [PERSON] [19] argue that while a greater level of media richness has the ability to better manage uncertain information, it has limited effect on reducing the equivocality of the information. Instead this may increase the complexity and diversity of the communication process and content. Previous studies [20; 21; 22; 23] reveal that the Ftf (e.g., communication with language, non-verbal cues) communication format has the highest level of media richness, and this is followed by CMC (e.g., audio-visual), media with only audio and written media. However, as the difficulty and cost of information transmission is reduced due to the advancement of modern technologies, CMC has increasingly been utilized as a communication format. This is particularly evident with the introduction of mobile immediate messaging software, which can be customized to facilitate interactive communication that occurs anytime and anywhere. Its ability for data storage, indexing, searching, and the convenience of using the media by an individual is also greatly enhanced [24]. The synchronized interaction in CMC can offer the similar effect of real-time communication as that of FtF through instant text, voice, and video transmission [24; 25]. Studies [26; 27; 28] suggest that learners were more likely to perform better in generating new ideas for new product development under the FtF communication format than their counterparts who undertook the CMC format. However, CMC may have potential advantage in terms of creativity learning and performance within a team context [29]. In a study conducted by [PERSON] et al. [30], the production rate, communication efficiency, and level of cooperation of CMC indicated by the total quantity of information exchange is much higher than that of FtF because users have experienced more interactions under the CMC format. It is the relatively higher equivocality that enables CMC users to exhibit a greater level of active participation and effort, given that space and time barriers have been broken down that enable team members to cooperate more effectively and efficiently on a common task [20; 29]. CMC communication via the virtual world is regarded as more fun, and pleasurable than FtF [15]. [PERSON] et al. [13] also suggest that selecting between FtF or CMC is significantly influenced by the perception of the user on controllability, anonymity, and co-existence. As compared to CMC, FtF communicators deliver more facial expressions and any changes in tone of voice may increase the level of tension during communication [14]. The CMC interactive environment also offers more personalized information and differential interactive communication, which has a higher degree of freedom, giving more time and space to the learners to review the appropriateness and completeness of their opinions before they put forward their views [31; 32]. Furthermore, CMC provides more time to the users to contemplate on the transmitted information during the interaction and to have a considered response by integrating the information with existing knowledge [29].