Social media and videoconferencing help virtual groups organize their work and communicate. However, as with all online interactions, remember that the three Ps of mediated communication—powerful, public, and permanent—from Chapter 3 still apply. Your self-presentation matters just as much (if not more) when you’re working in virtual small groups as it does when you’re communicating online with close friends and family.

In our technology-saturated culture, it’s easy to think that communicating online with virtual groups should be second nature to us all. However, as the following anecdote from a Wall Street Journal article points out, that isn’t always the case:

Jason Walker was in the middle of presenting fourth-quarter earnings to his bosses when an unwelcome surprise popped up on his screen—and the screens of five other people logged on remotely for the virtual meeting. “I love you Teddy Bear,” read the instant message from Mr. Walker’s significant other. For the next month or so, Mr. Walker was known around the office as “Teddy Bear.” (Mattioli, 2008)

Professionals are increasingly working on teams that have members all over the country—even around the globe. Perhaps not surprisingly, an entire industry has sprung up to teach people how to avoid embarrassing situations like the one “Teddy Bear” found himself in. Almost any career you choose—from video game design to public relations—or class project you participate in, you could be working in a virtual small group. As mentioned earlier, a virtual small group is any team of three or more individuals who work together to achieve a common goal, and who communicate primarily through technology instead of face-to-face encounters.

Working in a virtual small group presents both challenges and advantages. In this section, we’ll discuss pitfalls to watch out for and suggest strategies for improving communication in your next virtual group experience—so you can avoid your own “Teddy Bear” moment.