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"Social information processing theory claims that whether you’re communicating face to face or online, you can communicate the same degree of personal involvement and develop similar close relationships. What do you think of this theory?"
The more technology advances the easier it is to make, and keep, online relationships. Whether these are friendships, business associates, or romantic relationships, the advent of various forms of online communication has made it easier to keep in touch. It seems to me that you could find somewhere new to connect with someone online almost everyday; there are literally hundreds of places where one can bond with a complete stranger over similar interests: Facebook Groups, Blogs, Twitter, Tumblr, PostSecret, etc.
So in short, yes I do think it is possible with today's modern technology to develop and nurture relationships with the same degree of personal involvement as if you were communicating face to face. World wide video calling is available on your cell phone with numerous applications, you can constantly text, or chat with someone, and then skype or video call. You can share links to funny videos, or photographs, or interact together in a virtual reality world or MMORPG (for the non gamer that is: Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game).
"Social information processing theory claims that whether you’re communicating face to face or online, you can communicate the same degree of personal involvement and develop similar close relationships. What do you think of this theory?"
The more technology advances the easier it is to make, and keep, online relationships. Whether these are friendships, business associates, or romantic relationships, the advent of various forms of online communication has made it easier to keep in touch. It seems to me that you could find somewhere new to connect with someone online almost everyday; there are literally hundreds of places where one can bond with a complete stranger over similar interests: Facebook Groups, Blogs, Twitter, Tumblr, PostSecret, etc.
So in short, yes I do think it is possible with today's modern technology to develop and nurture relationships with the same degree of personal involvement as if you were communicating face to face. World wide video calling is available on your cell phone with numerous applications, you can constantly text, or chat with someone, and then skype or video call. You can share links to funny videos, or photographs, or interact together in a virtual reality world or MMORPG (for the non gamer that is: Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game).
I honestly think that people in my generation started
having online friendships at a pretty young age, my first online "best
friend" was a girl I'd met through "Bebo" a social networking site that
was launched in 2005. I then remember diving into the world of online
chat rooms, and MySpace. These sites have now been largely replaced by
FaceBook, Instagram, and Twitter but the implications are the same. All of these online communities are a
long time in the making and have been adapting and changing for a
better "user friendly" experience ever since they were created.
However, that doesn't mean that one shouldn't be careful with who they communicate with online. It's all too easy for someone to create a fake online identity and many have been left heart broken when they realized their romantic online relationship wasn't real. In fact, there's an entire movie and subsequent TV show based on this preface that I'm sure you've heard of, here's the trailer for the 2010 Documentary, Catfish:
While social media and online communication can be a great tool to connect with others, to travel, to even learn about different cultures or people around the world internet safety should always be taken into account. It's also important to remember that online actions can have real life reactions, so treat people with respect.
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This is just something I'd like to add, something I hadn't thought of while writing my original blog post, but that came to me after reading everyone else's. I'm adding this addendum to my original post not to affect my grade, but because I think this is an extremely important part of online communication that is often overlooked. Online communication is a godsend for people with mental, and sometimes physical disabilities. As someone who has constant anxiety and issues with verbal communication I find communicating online 10 x easier than communicating in person. I wish that there were even more ways to avoid phone calls--websites with 24/7 online chat support? Yes please! Ordering your food online? You betcha, and the only downfall to online shopping is that you can't normally try things on before buying them. I find I can better express my thoughts and opinions online as well, which then in turn makes me feel that I am better heard online. It can make me feel like my voice matters. There are very few people I can talk to with ease in real life, and I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. A great example of the benefits of online communication is "Carly's Voice." Carly is a young autistic lady who is unable to speak verbally, for the longest time her parents' had zero indication of Carly's mental or physical state from Carly herself--and it was through modern day technology and online communication that she was finally able to express herself. Please check out this YouTube video about Cary's book, entitled "Carly's Voice."
Hi Pia,
ReplyDeleteYou make a great point when you say there is a certain ease with online relationships. Technology has made it easy for us to connect and stay connected online. I find it interesting that that you developed online friendships so early in age. This class makes me feel old and I am only 33. I also think that implications online are worse on the web than in real-life. You do something stupid and it isn’t on the web, it’s easily forgotten. Do something stupid on the web and there is a permanent footprint of it that can follow you around for life.
I really appreciate the addition you made to your original post. I had not considered the benefits of online communication for someone with mental or physical disabilities. I think you make a valid point and agree that without online communication there are many people who would lack any interpersonal relationships. Thank you for taking the time to post the addition and for sharing yourself and your experiences with the rest of us. I like have to "redraw my map" sometimes!
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