The option of how one communicates is the "in thing". Just think with all of the "interpersonal communication" media networks, being who we want to be or who others want us to be, is part of what makes this type of communication so scary. I have friends that spend a lot of time on these social networks. Some of the associates that I work with, some how, some way respond to Facebook and Twitter all day. When you see time stamps you know they were working. Whether its online or via their phones, they are ready to respond. Personally, I can't do it. There is such a since of urgency to respond, give an opinion, share detailed information of oneself, that I don't feel. In fact I'm very apprehensive about sharing any information, unless I know the person that is messaging me. Oneof the observations Professor Baym, made was about Facebooks, participants profiles are becoming vague, not too much personal data to view. But then I thought about me, I'm not an open book on my profile or my responses.
"Technology is natural" as written by William Revill, it is also necessary, that's what I say. It is each person responsibility to decide how these meadias will affect their lives. How much control will Twitter and Facebook have on the face-to-face encounters we have with each other.
Another point that was brought to light "people are doing the changing not the technology", so the control that we have is based on how we use communication medias. Will we let them alienate or isolate us from other people or is this the prep before our face-to-face conversations? We must remember online communication is different from face-to-face.
It's funny (well, not really) when I walk down the hall at work and see the younger people with facebook and twitter web pages open. One young woman that works on the help desk at work has her Facebook page open all the time and when she's not busy with phone calls she perusing Facebook and updating her page. Don't understand it.
ReplyDeleteDan I think the answer is pretty simple--when she is not busy she gets bored, and Facebook is a way to relieve boredom. That's my guess, anyway.
ReplyDeleteA thougth on how people have changed not technologies/social networks. I think that for the most part this is fairly true. Many people realized now that if they are not participating daily in the digital communication they are essentially getting left out. This explains why much of the 55-65 year age group is joining in on these types of communities. It aslo explains why Pew's report towoard these communities is indeed not negative but empowering and healthy relations among users.
ReplyDeleteCommuications on the social net work. So many people of today are addicted to these site and ways of communicating. We all are guilty of spending too much time on social network site.
ReplyDeleteOMG Facebook and Twitter is some people life I can not do this at all. That is too much work for me. The thing that really gets me is how people can answer you on these social networks and matters of seconds but, can not answer the phone when you call. Somebody please tell what this is about?
ReplyDeleteI constantly have my facebook open on my computer and when im not at home by my computer i check my facebook on my iphone....maybe i have an addiction ha. facebook is just so great because i can always see what my family and friends are up to. i also recently gave in to my friends requests and got a twitter....anyone know the name of a good support group? haha
ReplyDeleteAgreed, "technology is natural"-"necessary". It really is, but is it a cultural need, a benefit, or an addiction? Not to say it must be one or the other, but it does make you feel slightly overwhelmed at times. There are so many movies about how robots will take over. Technology is a benefit, but people are coming up with wild assumptions to scare the gen.public.
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