Laura JonesTest 231 March 2014Application document 3 – Test 2Relationships are formed through communication. The type of relationship we establish is directly related to the type of communication that takes place. We can communicate with each other in three ways: I-it communication is the most impersonal form of communication, it involves treating someone as a means to an end and an example would be the communication you have with a salesman. I-thou communication is less impersonal and is the most common form of communication; an example would be the communication you have with a colleague or casual friend. I-you communication is the most personal, only this type of communication can lead to an interpersonal relationship. It is important to note that I-Thou communication can occur through text-based CMC and thus an interpersonal relationship can be achieved through CMC. There are several definitions of interpersonal communication, however I believe it is best defined as "A selective, systemic, unique communication, ongoing process of interaction between individuals who realize and construct personal knowledge of each other and create shared meaning." (Wood , 2002).I chose this definition because it included terms that are not included in other definitions. The inclusion of the word selective is important because it indicates the conscious effort that both people must make to achieve an interpersonal relationship word between which escapes the fact that an interpersonal relationship belongs to both people involved. The last part of the definition that appeals to me is when it uses the words "effects" and "builds". . middle of paper... ...the ocean from your balcony. This technology allows us to be present in conversations happening all over the world. I have friends who live in Scotland, Italy and Jamaica, and although I don't Skype with them regularly, I still manage to keep in touch via Facebook and text messages. Today it is evident that interpersonal relationships can be formed and maintained via CMC. Through CMC you can obtain all the necessary components that can evolve into an interpersonal relationship. CMC allows two people to communicate and construct messages that allow them to develop personal knowledge of each other. The lack of nonverbal cues ultimately does not affect the quality of the interpersonal relationship due to the use of other communication mechanisms. Because CMC allows two people to share I-Thou communication, interpersonal relationships can be formed.