Dr. Michael A. Stefanone

Assistant Professor
Office: 327 Baldy Hall
Email: ms297
Phone: (716) 645-2141 ext 1184

Degrees:

B.A., University at Buffalo
M.S., Cornell University
Ph.D., Cornell University

Teaches in these programs:

Bachelor of Arts Communication Department
Master of Arts Communication Department
Ph.D. Communication Department

Research Interests:

Dr. Stefanone's main interest lies in group-level computer-mediated communication (CMC), especially within the framework of distributed, collaborative groups and Internet-based communication tools.  Utilizing a social network perspective, his research focuses on illuminating group process with the goal of situating technology use in evolving social contexts.  Social contexts vary between two levels- learning communities and collaborative groups situated within learning and working communities.  In addition, his research explores the utility of applying social network analysis to identify structural attributes of participants (i.e., centrality) and the extent to which these attributes relate to consistent individual differences in attitudes and behaviors affecting technology adoption and use. Currently, he is building on the theory of instrumental action by exploring individual differences that result in strategic pursuit of social capital.

Additionally, his research explores novel uses of computer-mediated communication (CMC) technologies, like blogs and social network sites (SNSs), and the effects these tools have on interpersonal relationships and boundaries of privacy. An article forthcoming in ACM's Hypertext (June, 2008) found a link between reality television (RTV) consumption and behavior on SNSs like Facebook. Stefanone, Lackaff and Rosen found that RTV consumption predicted the size of user's online social networks, the number of photos shared, and the level of 'promiscuous friending' (the frequency users friend others they haven't actually met).  The article is available here.