Defining Interactivity
Top Cited Papers
- 1 June 2000
- journal article
- Published by SAGE Publications in New Media & Society
- Vol. 2 (2) , 157-179
- https://doi.org/10.1177/14614440022225751
Abstract
The literature on interactivity includes many assumptions and some definitions but few tools for operationalizing the concept of interactivity in computer-mediated environments. This article takes an early step in filling that gap. In-depth interviews with 10 individuals who work and teach in the field of interactive communication led to a conceptual definition of interactivity based on six dimensions: direction of communication, time flexibility, sense of place, level of control, responsiveness, and perceived purpose of communication. Suggestions are made for applying these dimensions to multiple forms of computer-mediated communication. Future research should empirically test the existence and application of these dimensions.Keywords
This publication has 14 references indexed in Scilit:
- The Internet as Mass MediumJournal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 2006
- Who Pays for Content? Funding in Interactive MediaJournal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 2006
- Networked InteractivityJournal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 2006
- Relational Control and Interactive Media Choice in Technology-Mediated Communication SituationsHuman Communication Research, 1996
- Anticipated Ongoing Interaction Versus Channel Effects on Relational Communication in Computer-Mediated InteractionHuman Communication Research, 1994
- Finding a happy mediumACM Transactions on Information Systems, 1994
- Defining Virtual Reality: Dimensions Determining TelepresenceJournal of Communication, 1992
- Computers, Networks and WorkScientific American, 1991
- Defining informationTelecommunications Policy, 1989
- Meaning in Method: The Rhetoric of Quantitative and Qualitative ResearchEducational Researcher, 1987