This was a very interesting topic for this weeks blog assignment. Baym pointed out a lot a issues that goes on with how we communicate online and what potential barriers we are up against. I agree and disagree with Baym on his ideas about our behavior changing when we become easily distracted with online communication. Baym stated that “Communicators have to work harder to achieve their desired impact and be understood,” which entails that he believes online communication hinders us from becoming more intune with one another (Baym, 54). In my opinion, communication online and in person is very different and it sometimes is better to communicate online so a person will not see facial expressions or hear any type of tones that may be disrespectful. He also talked about social cues. Social cues are expressions of the body, tone of voice, facial expressions, etc. that can be a good or bad cue depending the type of conversation that it brought upon individuals. Baym expressed that people become more disengaged with audiences when there is a lack of social cues (Baym, 54). I agree with this topic of social cues because with social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram there are a lot communication disagreements and agreements with friends and followers and social cues can or cannot be expressed through words or sometimes pictures and emoticons. There is also disruptive behavior in online communication. The negative communication that is being portrayed is volatile and can sometimes become a serious issue with online communication.
The Gerrand article somewhat confused me about how there are a lot of limitations and problems with researching and language use on the Internet. I actually have had some problems with language online but there are websites nand applications that help people translate from one language to another. I have known some people to send me messages in Spanish or French and of course I had no clue what either of the messages said. I just typed the message into my translation app and it gave me everything the person told me. This can be a problem in the near future because a lot of people do not know about the translation methods which can then slow down the process of communicating. I can either make a person frustrated about having to find out what their communicator is talking about or can be a challenge to make people want to learn a new language and find out what he/she is saying to them.
I agree with your views on Baym’s points regarding disengagment due to social distractions. I sometimes find my self guilty when my husband is speaking to me and I have my phone in my hand looking at instagram or facebook. One time he flat out asked me “are you listening to me?” The truth is yes, however, I am so distracted by my phone sometimes that I tend to think I can do more than one form of communication at one time.
Which solidifies the luxery of communicating via email or not in person. I have the freedom to look at other sites or social media while responding or drafting a message with out having to feel bad for doing more than one thing in that moment.
Thank you for the post.
Yes I definitely agree about the texting and socializing via facebook and twitter while not listening to others speak to me. It was a problem at first, but I made myself put my cell phone down when something important is being said or taught….not just for regular converstaions lol. This is definitely something myself and others should work on for the near future. I know my fiance gets upset if I am texting and trying to hold a conversation and I would be the same way if it was done reversely.
Thanks for the comment
Its a sign of the times that asynchronous content, like our facebook, twitter, and vine feeds are distracting us from our synchronous, in person conversations. The mobile phone has definitely allowed us to keep in better communications with our network, but there have been consequences to our personal relationships when it comes to in-person interactions. On top of that, we seem to be reaching a new level of distraction where we feel the need to multitask at all times, checking our phone even while we are in a dark movie theatre.
You make the statement that there are websites and apps that helps people translate. The problem is the fact that many people are not aware of the websites and apps so this has a big effect on communication. I do agree that social cues are missing with internet communication and maybe if they were available flaming would be less of an issue.
Also, many of these sites are not practical or correct. Very rarely is the translation software accurate. In fact, I think trying to translate a page will result in more misinformation than finding an site in English (assuming that is your 1st language). I don’t know how tricky the reverse is: say, a Spanish reader trying to translate an English page. I’m sure the grammatical & stylistic errors lead to a jumbled translation, especially since amateur sites don’t follow proper rules of language anyway. Translation software is definitely a useful tool & I am thankful it exists, so hopefully it will continue to improve.
I like when I receive messages from others in another language. Like you, I translate it and see what they are saying. It’s very helpful for people who want to learn a new language and it’s helpful to those who don’t necessarily want to learn a new language. They are still given the opportunity to learn how to communicate more effectively with others.
I agree that some situations are better resolved online, rather than face-to-face. If it’s a situation where we need to “get something out,” and the person is very likely to yell over us or disregard us in person, sometimes it’s best to state your view and move on. However, for the most part, I try to do any sort of “tough” message in person. Like you said, online communication lets us talk without seeing facial expressions, hearing vocal tones, or seeing body language. I think that that is a very dangerous thing. Those cues are highly important to making sure that our listener is fully understanding what our message is intended to say. Words in a Facebook message can be read so many different ways, and we may go our whole lives without realizing that a person was deeply hurt by something that we meant in a very harmless way.
I think you have a good point when it comes to the possible advantages – rather than the often emphasized disadvantages – of text-based communique over face-to-face interaction. There have been several situations in which I began a conversation about an unpleasant subject tactfully via email, and then continued it in person. To put it in communication. This allows the other person to truly consider the content of your message before responding. This isn’t always the best course of action, but I have had success with it.
I feel the same way about sending the right message. If it is really important, I try to write it down for myself to flesh it out. Sometimes, I can use this as a springboard to remember my talking points. Other times, I will craft a letter or email in an attempt to more fully express myself. I think my communication is stronger in writing than face-to face. Especially when facing a complex situation, I can get thrown off by the other person in conversation by facial expressions, (over)reactions, and letting the topic wander. If we both have a text to lead from, we can better discuss the issues. Ideally, the other party will have time to read and reflect on the content, and then lead into a discussion. A lot of people have a problem with this, but it is my preferred method.