ENC 1102 - 586361
Inst. Lisa Edmunds
Fall 2010 – Online
Communication – Electronic versus Face to Face
In this day and age it is very easy to sit at the computer and communicate with someone on the other side of the world or in another city, but has it gone so far that we live in a society that is comfortable communicating online with someone in the same city or even the same building? Is that such a bad thing? With easy access to email, text messages and community boards plus lifestyles that are notably busier than in decades past it is no surprise that we are now dependent upon electronic communication in place of face to face for the majority of the connections in our lives. When it comes to staying in touch with people that you otherwise would not have time, or the inclination, to contact, these electronic forms of communication can save and build upon relationships that otherwise might have fallen to the wayside. Not only is electronic communication helpful for the revitalization of old relationships but also statistics show that many choose to use these options as a type of relationship maintenance. To stay in contact with those that we see everyday such as spouses, friends and coworkers it has become prevalent to just text them instead of calling or visiting. This new form of communication is sometimes more convenient during activities that you normally couldn’t call or leave where you were and is a handy option for quick “just so you know” type communications. The New York Times reports: “The Pew Research Center found that half of American teenagers — defined in the study as ages 12 through 17 — send 50 or more text messages a day and that one third send more than 100 a day. Two thirds of the texters surveyed by the center’s Internet and American Life Project said they were more likely to use their cell phones to text friends than to call them.” Although this is not the most personal type of communication is has definitely opened up a line of communication that has it’s time and place. As noted by Helen Cox “The Internet allows for communication at anytime to any place.” (“Affects”) With the multitude of online sites like Myspace and Facebook people can log on and within minutes reconnect with friends and family, past and present. The affect on each individual is different but according to the article “How Does Excessive Online Communication Affect Teens” it is said that “a few experts think that technology may not be a bad thing after all and is actually bringing kids closer, as it allows them to be connected to each other at all times. Supporting this argument are those who believe that texting and online communication may make it easier for shy kids to open up and connect with others.” Many parents are in agreement. As discussed in the article one mother feels that “it (Facebook) is helping him (her son) come out of his shell and develop social skills that he wasn’t learning because he’s so shy.” With the ability to ease into building friendships these types of communications allow for individuals to slowly show a side of them that they might be too shy or too self-conscience to do in a face to face situation. This type of learning and skill building will allow them to be “themselves” when they do interact in person as they can predict the responses from past experiences online. As we think about how we use online and electronic communication in our own lives we should also consider how much we do have face-to-face communication. If you have completely replaced personal contact with the computer and a cell phone a line has been crossed, but if you look back at the positive points made regarding how to effectively use these and you have successfully integrated these up to date options into your life – Congratulations! In this day an age we should all take advantage of the technologies to help our lives be more efficient, more enjoyable and surrounded with people with whom we “click”. A well-rounded repertoire of venues will balance your life and simplify the daily maintenance of relationships.
Works Cited
Cox, Helen "Affects of Online Communication to Our Psychological Being." Affects of Online Communication to Our Psychological Being. 6 Feb. 2008 EzineArticles.com. 19 Sep. 2010 . Web
Kumar, Naresh “How Does Excessive Online Communication Affect Teens?” – PSFK http://www.psfk.com/2010/05/how-does-excessive-online-com Web qtd: New York Times: “Antisocial Networking?” Web
Cited: Cox, Helen "Affects of Online Communication to Our Psychological Being." Affects of Online Communication to Our Psychological Being. 6 Feb. 2008 EzineArticles.com. 19 Sep. 2010 . Web Kumar, Naresh “How Does Excessive Online Communication Affect Teens?” – PSFK http://www.psfk.com/2010/05/how-does-excessive-online-com Web qtd: New York Times: “Antisocial Networking?” Web
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