Computer-Mediated Social Networks and Environmental Behavior

Research on environmental behavior highlights the role of information systems in the information acquisition and attitude formation process. Computer-mediated social networks (CMSNs) are forms of social structures that support social activity through computer-mediated communication and interactions. CMSNs can have an influential effect on social norms surrounding various issues, including environmental behavior. Further, CMSNs create a unique multi-nodal social environment within which individual behavior is virtually impacted, and eventually, physically modified. Extant research has not considered the social interactions that occur within a CMSN and how such interaction might further facilitate the adoption of environmental behaviors. This research aims to explore the influential role that CMSNs have on individuals through examination of specific attributes of a CMSN. More specifically, we examine CMSN Influencer, the message-giver within the CMSN, and CMSN Intensity, the user’s engagement in and usage of the CMSN

SMS Text-Messaging and the Nigerian Christian Context: Constructing Values and Sentiments

The Global System of Mobile Communications (GSM) in Nigeria brought with it a variety of English that is situationally distinct and context sensitive. Thus SMS text-messages are viewed as discourses that presuppose speech events among interlocutors that share a common social behaviour and cultural values. This study shows the extent to which test-messaging constructs Christian values, belief systems and sentiments in Nigeria. Fifty-three (53) text samples collected in Lagos and Ota areas of Southwest Nigeria between 2005 and 2007 are analysed within the framework of computer-mediated discourse analysis (Herring 2001). Result shows that with its peculiar orthographic convention and style, text-messaging has become popular among Christian adherents not just because it is short, cheap and fast but that it is individualistic and fits well into a context where respect for individuals is emphasized. Analysis also shows that SMS text-messaging is used to disseminate messages associated with faith-based pronouncements, prayer and well-wishing, admonition and assurance, appreciation and praise, seasons greetings and general information/announcements. These functions tend to promote love and cooperation among church members. Key words: SMS-text messages, Christian, Discourse Introduction Th

Assessing the Nigerianness of SMS Text-Messages in English

In the history of the English language certain developments have left significant linguistic marks on the language. As new developments and cultural forms occur, new words and styles of expression evolve with them and spread. This is true of the new linguistic style that is associated with the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) revolution in Nigeria since 2001. GSM has brought with it a variety of English that is situationally distinctive and context sensitive (Awonusi, 2004:45)