Θεωρία Επικοινωνιακής Προσαρμογής: Μια θεωρία σε έναν μεταβαλλόμενο ψηφιακό κόσμο

Abstract

This paper focuses on a major socio-psychological framework of communication, originally labeled Speech Accommodation Theory, that has, over its 50-year history, expanded its communicative boundaries and the social groups and contexts studied as well as into the digital age. First, the essence of the theory is outlined herein mainly in terms of some of its major Principles. Second, and in relation to the evolution of now-termed Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) over the decades, a tabulated overview of what constitutes its first six, benchmark Stages is provided. Third, we highlight a representative selection of studies emerging mostly in the latter half of 2023 and beyond, tabulating some their significant features. Fourth, CAT research in the digital age (Stage 7) is discussed in terms of analyzing recent studies, appearing during the same abovementioned period, exploring accommodative and nonaccommodative practices with and through technology; in this regard, it contributes to the investigations of computer-mediated and human-machine interactions. Throughout as well as in conclusion, we raise pertinent research questions that collectively constitute an engaging future research agenda.