Later research showed that even very simple communication tools could be effective for ambiguous messages … because user inventiveness, such as through emoticons, can partly circumvent the limitations. [Nardi’s] key dimensions of (online or offline) connection includes: affinity … commitment … and attention … Humans use various methods to create affinity, including touch [and] informal conversation … touch was often simulated through descriptions (e.g. “hugs”, “X”)
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| — | Thelwall & Wilkinson, Public Dialogs in Social Network Sites: What is their Purpose? |
