This dissertation provides an analysis of the impact of computer-mediated communication (CMC) on the social behavior of a Usenet newsgroup called "alt.good.morning" (AGM). The descriptions and explanations are in terms of practice and activity theories based on a qualitative research methodology. Without the bias that face-to-face interaction is somehow better than CMC and with the holistic approach to CMC as a context rather than just a tool, this research explains how a spontaneous computer-mediated group performs, how conflicts are resolved and what part the computer plays in this interaction.

AGM is shown to be a vibrant community composed of people from around the world, the computer and the activities of the community in the context of CMC. The focus of the research is on the salient behaviors, beliefs, structures and processing that occur in AGM, as well as the interaction of those forces that create and shape that community. Foremost of these forces is the effect of CMC and the computer; they are not passive tools but active participants in the interaction.