Chapter 11 Technology and Interpersonal Communication

Technology Terms Content aggregation or “information architecture” refers to information that has been collected together from different sources and considered a whole 2 Chapter 11

Technology Terms Convergence is the integration of various technologies – Voice-activated computers – Cell phones that take pictures 3 Chapter 11

Technology Terms Computer-mediated communication (CMC) is the use of various technologies to facilitate communication with others 4 Chapter 11

Characteristics of Communication Technology Its pervasive – technology is everywhere Its paradoxical – technology is conflicting, inconsistent, and ironic – global village 5 Chapter 11

Characteristics of Communication Technology Its powerful – technology influences people events and cultures 6 Chapter 11

The Accessibility of Communication Technology Accessibility helps to eliminate the technological gap between people and culture communities – Digital divide 7 Chapter 11

The Accessibility of Communication Technology Trends of technology users: – Elite tech users = 31% of American adults – Middle-of-the-road tech users = 20% of American adults – Few tech assets = 49% of American adults 8 Chapter 11

What Does Accessibility of Communication Technology Have to do With Interpersonal Communication? First, it creates problems with meaning 9 Chapter 11

What Does Accessibility of Communication Technology Have to do With Interpersonal Communication? Second, it has many positive benefits: – Increases safety – Creates a sense of play – Improves psychological well-being 10 Chapter 11

The Internet: Connecting Now The internet is a “superhighway” network of networks – It connects computers together and the information goes from one computer to another 11 Chapter 11

The Dark Side of the Internet: Proceed with Caution Little accountability or responsibility Fostering of hate – Hate speech is extremely offensive language that is directed toward a particular group of people 12 Chapter 11

The Dark Side of the Internet: Proceed with Caution Flaming occurs when people exchange malicious, hostile, or insulting comments – Has been called “electronic road rage” - Invasion of privacy 13 Chapter 11

The Bright Side of the Internet: New Opportunities Widening your social networks – Computer mediated communication (CMC) allows people to seek out information and develop relationships 14 Chapter 11

The Bright Side of the Internet: New Opportunities Enhance your educational accessibility 15 Chapter 11

The Presentation of Self Online Avatars are a digital fictional and fantasy representation of a user in a virtual world Signaling theory proposes that online users have qualities that they wish to present to others 16 Chapter 11

Assumptions of Online Presentations of Self Assumption 1 – The computer screen can deceive Synchronous communication is when communication is taking place between the sender and receiver at the same time or in real time 17 Chapter 11

Assumptions of Online Presentations of Self Asynchronous communication is when the sender and receiver do not synchronize before and after each communication exchange 18 Chapter 11

Assumptions of Online Presentations of Self Assumption 2 – Online discussions often prompt introspection 19 Chapter 11

Assumptions of Online Presentations of Self Assumption 3 – Online discussions promote self- orientation 20 Chapter 11

Identity Markers on the Internet An identity marker is an electronic extension of who someone is – Screen names or nick names that are used to communicate the individuality of the sender of a message 21 Chapter 11

Identity Markers on the Internet Personal homepages or web pages present a number of characteristics of a person such as: hobbies, pets, home, or links to other groups 22 Chapter 11

Communication Technology and Relational Maintenance The electronic and face-to-face relationships The “language” of online relationships – Abbreviated language is used for efficiency 23 Chapter 11

Communication Technology and Relational Maintenance Graphic accents such as smiley faces are used to communicate emotions – Articon is a picture used in an electronic message 24 Chapter 11

Communication Technology and Relational Maintenance Social networking: beyond the keyboard - refers to linking people or groups of people who share common interests 25 Chapter 11

Choices for Improving Online Communication Skills Sender and receiver skills for electronic messages – Take responsibility for your own words 26 Chapter 11