Self Disclosure is something that each of us engage in
when we’re getting to know someone
for the first time, however this process can be quite different with regards to online
communication. In many forms of media there is a definite lack in verbal and nonverbal cues
that are normal present in more conventional forms of communication. Theories behind this
suggest that more similarity is actually assumed with the absence of these cues and people
are more likely to identify with individuals than they would be in an in-person setting.
Also what one person may get out of one form of media can be drastically different than
another person who has more experience with it. For an avid snapchat user, that mode of
communication will be much more rich for them than someone who is relatively new.
Another aspect of online communication is how the individual views themselves, and
this can actually be quite arbitrary depending on the individual and how they wish to
present online, and there can be much more freedom than in person. The self perception
actually morphs depending on who the individual is communicating with and what they
hope to gain from the interaction.
Privacy is also a huge concern as much of what we say online sticks around longer than
we may want it to; media that takes these concerns into account will be more successful
in the long run as people become more aware of their digital footprint and the
repercussions of actions taken online. Some of these concerns may be voluntarily
forfeited however as many times the benefits received from revealing certain information
outweighs the costs. For many people even just the perception of privacy is enough to
get them to continue using a form of online communication, even if in reality it isn’t as present.
Someone’s online life can be drastically different than someone’s in-person life, as online
media can foster much more freedom of thought and expression depending on the media
and the audience. Human beings have an inherent need to communicate and build
relationships with others, and even in this new digital age, life will always find a way.
when we’re getting to know someone
for the first time, however this process can be quite different with regards to online
communication. In many forms of media there is a definite lack in verbal and nonverbal cues
that are normal present in more conventional forms of communication. Theories behind this
suggest that more similarity is actually assumed with the absence of these cues and people
are more likely to identify with individuals than they would be in an in-person setting.
Also what one person may get out of one form of media can be drastically different than
another person who has more experience with it. For an avid snapchat user, that mode of
communication will be much more rich for them than someone who is relatively new.
Another aspect of online communication is how the individual views themselves, and
this can actually be quite arbitrary depending on the individual and how they wish to
present online, and there can be much more freedom than in person. The self perception
actually morphs depending on who the individual is communicating with and what they
hope to gain from the interaction.
Privacy is also a huge concern as much of what we say online sticks around longer than
we may want it to; media that takes these concerns into account will be more successful
in the long run as people become more aware of their digital footprint and the
repercussions of actions taken online. Some of these concerns may be voluntarily
forfeited however as many times the benefits received from revealing certain information
outweighs the costs. For many people even just the perception of privacy is enough to
get them to continue using a form of online communication, even if in reality it isn’t as present.
Someone’s online life can be drastically different than someone’s in-person life, as online
media can foster much more freedom of thought and expression depending on the media
and the audience. Human beings have an inherent need to communicate and build
relationships with others, and even in this new digital age, life will always find a way.
I thought this was a very interesting topic! I’m excited to hear more about your research and the conclusions you made. What were some motivations you had for researching this topic? Do you think the increase of social media will make us better communicators across several platforms, or is it a negative thing?
ReplyDelete