Future impact of computers and related technologies on interpersonal communication: a Delphi study

This study was undertaken to identify the probable influences of increased use of computers and related tachnology on interpersonal communication in the next twenty-five years, with a view toward identifying perceived trends in the practice of interpersonal communication, and, on the basis of these trends, suggesting adaptive directions for both research and education in this area. Responses to a number of forecasts were solicited from communication scholars using the Delphi method. Emphasis was on interpersonal communication, including interpersonal communication in organizations, consequently mass communication and computer-assisted instruction were excluded from consideration.