1. Technology in Everyday Life
Chapter 12
Technology in Everyday Life

2. Examining Technology
This chapter focuses on so-called ‘new’ technology (PDAs and the Internet)
Even new technology changes rapidly
A better term might be ‘relational technologies’ because of their use/purpose

3. Relational Technologies and Constructing Identity
The ‘social meanings’ of technology vary according to different cultural norms/values
Cell phone as business vs. means of staying in touch
‘Media generations’ have different responses to technology

4. Relational Technologies and Constructing Identity
Social networks also influence the use of technology
These decisions are also personal to some degree
‘Diffusion of Innovations’ theory—some people identify themselves as natural ‘early adopters’ and act accordingly

5. Online Communication and Constructing Identity
Screen names and gaming identities
addresses
Online content
Personal webpages/blogs
Social networking sites

6. Relational Technologies and Personal Relationships
Cell phones
Boundaries, degree of closeness
Connection and availability
Shared experience
Social coordination
Midcourse adjustment
Iterative coordination
‘Softening’ of schedules

7. Relational Technologies and Personal Relationships
Online communication
Differs from face-to-face (FTF) communication in its lack of nonverbal cues
Use of emoticons to help compensate
Asynchronous, not synchronous, communication

8. Is FTF Communication Better Than Going Online?
Your authors point out:
Every form of communication has its own unique challenges
Quality of online communication depends on how it is used
Issues of quality will improve with familiarity and use

9. Personal Relationships and Social Networks
Does being online disconnect us from others?
Time displacer or time enhancer?
Most people report using the Internet enhances and expands their relationships
Core ties and significant ties

10. The Concept of the ‘Media Equation’ (Reeves & Nass)
People tend to treat technology systems very much as they treat other people
Politeness
Flattery/ingratiation
Specialists vs. generalists
Personality

11. Problems With the Concept of the ‘Media Equation’
Reeves and Nass assume people treat technology sources like people because their brains are outdated
Based on studies in psychology rather than more complex communication studies