As someone who has grown up with the internet and views it as a foundational aspect of modern life, it can be hard for me to step back and consider other people’s views concerning it. However, both Baym and Herring had many points about people’s hopes and fears regarding new technologies and CMC.
Perhaps the most basic and underlying fear I read is people’s assumption that CMC shapes communication and social behavior (Herring 26). Baym writes about this as well, saying that technology actually changes the quality of interactions (30). However, this point does allow people to hope that this new change in social behavior will broaden our “pool of potential relational partners” (Baym 30), and also bring people closer together (Baym 36). While people are having a greater sense of openness and opportunity, they are also fearful about the amount of their information that is available to the public. Herring writes that an underlying concern is “loss of personal privacy,” and says that there is a “growing awareness that our online communication leaves traces” (32). On the other hand, another concern is that there is too MUCH privacy available online- and that people have no real idea of who they are talking to (resulting in child molestation and other horrendous acts) (Baym 35, 41-42).
Herring writes that the internet has become a “practical necessity” rather than an exciting tool, and that concepts like blogging have gone from exciting to as ordinary as passing notes in class (33). She says that CMC is “slouching toward the ordinary,” and that the internet is becoming a simpler, safer, and far less fascinating communication environment.
Based upon her thoughts, I have to admit that most hopes and fears about technology seem a bit dated. I understand the concerns about putting credit card numbers online, or being careful about what information we publish, but I think that most people have been warned so many times that they have gotten the point. I have seen a large array of articles bringing awareness about internet issues (including ones about how our Facebook profiles can be harmful for college admissions and job pools), and I think that people are becoming very good at dealing with these issues. While we obviously need to watch over those who don’t fully realize the risks (like when our 14-year-old cousins put up provocative Facebook profile pictures set to public access), most of society seems to have caught on quite nicely.
It’s interesting that you think many of the fears about CMC seem outdated at this point. So you would argue that CMC is becoming ordinary and mundane. I tend to agree with you on that front. As for my generation, we’ve been using cell phones and laptops for 10-15 years. We’ve had time to adjust to the risks of negative use. Which is why I find cases like that of Manti Te’o so interesting. How could anyone be surpised that they were lied to on the internet? The whole premise of the show Catfish seems ridiculous. It’s like walking down a back alley at night holding a $100 bill in your hand and being surprised after being robbed. I watched the original documentary Catfish just the other day. I didn’t walk away thinking about the perpetrator. I walked away thinking the director and subject of the film was a complete fool.
While I agree that there is generally enough information about the dangers online for most users to protect their information and avoid being taken advantage of online, there is also a new group of young users goes online all the time. Do they need to figure all of this out on their own like we did? Maybe documentaries like Catfish are a sign that we need to be teaching safe online practices (or ways to spot impostors) in schools so students are better equipped and less gullible to such things.
Your blog seems to include some really good points about the subject. However, I disagree with Mrs. Herring’s statement that the internet is becoming a simpler and safer place for communication. There are more mature sites and obscene clips than ever before in the history of the internet. One incorrectly typed word or misplaced keystroke could expose innocent kids to inappropriate websites. This is a problem that needs to be resolved immediately.
Tim I agree with some of the points you make regarding Manti Te’o, but I think you would be surprised at how easy it is to fool someone on the internet regarding who you really are. I know a couple of people who have done it, not to the extent of the catfish people, but mostly to keep tabs on their partners, or to stalk someone they dislike, or to simply play a prank. I think there is a point where people like Manti or catfish people should realize if they are not talking on the phone or skyping, this might be fake. However, in the beginning, you could easily be a French model, living in New York.
I completely agree with you that people have been warned enough about their own role in protecting themselves on the internet. However, I am constantly surprised by how many people do not take these warnings seriously. It has been a long time since I have heard of anyone losing money in an internet scam or a fake website. But I have known people who have lost their jobs because of things they have posted on their social media sites. An acquaintance of mine was recently let go because they were tagged in Facebook pictures of themselves out drinking with their employees, a definite corporate no-no.
Also, I really like that you refer to the use of social media as a “practical necessity” rather than a useful tool. I think the fact that Facebook has become such an integral in our lives is a big problem. If you don’t post a picture to Facebook or Instagram or Twitter, its like the party never happened. People don’t think of all the ramifications of putting their entire lives on their social sites, especially with regards to how it will effect others in their lives or their own futures.
I think it is interesting that you point out the importance of people protecting themselves. There seems to be a strange dissonance in our ideal and ability to do this. As Dr. Markman commented on another post, we are often fearful of revealing our banking (or other monetary) information but we are not as hesitant with our personal information. To a degree, some are “aware of traces” and “more cautious” of online communication. For example, our Facebook profiles and activities we can attempt to limit, but it takes a lot of forethought. Applications are also granted access to endless amounts of data that reveals our true identity as a person, consumer, and future target. We are forced to self-impose a kind of amnesia on this submission because otherwise it is too much to control or it is too frightening to think about. Baym wrote we face a “loss of personal privacy” (32) that is tied up in the power flux over our own “control, surveillance, and constraint.” (3) Privacy is one important dystopian element in our anxious environment. If we want to participate, we have to let it go and hope we can be as mindful as necessary for the time.
I agree with your point of self control and accountablity. People need to understand that what you put out in “cyber space” is open for judgement. I find this a great point as I recently moved from my hometown, and some of my friends online are more of aquaintences or new spouses of friends that I’ve had for a while. It is amazing to me how some people find time to post inappropriate photos of themselves, use profanity like no other, and expect everyone to “like” their posts!
I had to have personal intervention myself with a 14 YO daughter and a 10 YO son. I friend and follow them on any site they are on or have connection to be on. Some may say why do you let them have it? I’d rather be online with them then them sneaking behind. Kids are smart and will do whatever it takes to keep up with social media. It is the new age connection to “friendship,” my point is I watch more closely the things I post with them being on my social networking. It’s a lead by example relationship.
Thank you for your post.
The amount of information that is available to the public is outrageous. Sometimes I think that the internet is smarter than me! Just google your name. You would be impressed. It is a very scary thought to think that a machine, a piece of technology is more advanced than the human race itself!