The spread of global businesses and the pervasive use of border-spanning digital technologies are transforming how people communicate across cultures. Many human interactions are now mediated through technology. In 2005, 16% of the global population was connected to the Internet; in 2013, that number was 39%. While there are still digital divides, many of us live in an age of hyperconnectivity. In 2013, there were more Internet-connected devices, such as smartphones and tablet computers, than there were people on the planet.

Online communication refers to communication via networked computers. Global virtual teams use these networks to collaborate across geographies, time, and organizational boundaries. Individuals use them to communicate, work, foster relationships, shop, research, and share.

This entry first charts the development of online communications and describes the ...

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