Abstract

Flaming can have a negative impact on computer-mediated communication. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the perception of graduate students regarding two flaming incidents in a chat room of an online course. Research questions of this study were: 1) what were students’ perceptions of flaming in an online chat room and how did it affect them?; 2) what were students’ perceptions of how the flaming situation was handled?; and 3) what did students believe would help to reduce flaming? Four students were interviewed regarding their perceptions of the incidents. Results showed that although one person was perceived as doing the flaming, the view of who was being flamed appeared to vary depending on the students’ perceptions. Students seemed to prefer serious penalties for flamers. Having the issue addressed at the administrative level of the higher education institution seemed necessary.