The first thing I found interesting were the quotes at the beginning of Chapter 3 in our text book. The quotes illustrate how people feel about communicating face to face, over the phone and online. People favored face to face communication the most stating it is “much more personal; I enjoy it the best” (Baym, 50). People least favored internet communicating stating that they “really couldn’t get a strong sense of the person”. A lot of people liked communicating over the telephone, but still said it was not near as personal as communicating face to face. I would agree with all of these statements. I do enjoy talking on the phone with someone if I can’t meet up with them in person, but I am also more excited to see them in person.
The second thing I found interesting was Social Presence Theory which is a theory that describes how “interactants perceive one another” (Baymn, 52). Social Presence Theory deals with facial expressions, direction of gaze, fillers such as “uh huh” and body language. All of these things indicate social presence. I found this interesting because it directly applies to myself. Usually when I am retelling a story to someone, I do use hand gestures to enhance my story.
The third thing I found interesting was the section on “flames” which are comments online that considered particularly argumentative or agressive. I have heard of flames before. I have also seen people make negative comments about certain things or people. On Facebook. you see people getting into it a lot. I personally feel they should pick up the phone and call each other or just meet face to face to discuss whatever problem they are having. As far as arguing with random people over the internet that you don’t even know, I feel that this is pointless because you will most likely never see the people. I am going to use my anger on people I actually know.
I have had experiences with non English languages on the Internet before. There have been times I have wanted to read stories and they end up being in a different language. I could very well translate what I’m trying to read, but I just skip over it and find something in English to read. I think this will be an issue in the future.
I agree face to face interactions are the best because it allows you to perceive the other person correctly as well as obtain a person connection with one another. The phone and internet allows more things to be hide and the writer and anticipate and dictate the outcome they want the other person to have therefore they give you exactly what you want. The internet mostly is like putting on a show you can choose the outcome or reaction that you will receive. I thought flame was interesting as well and some arguments should be keep between the people involved. However, I find that people like to flame and argue over the internet and many people like to actually heard or read the argument because they get a kick out of it.
I use hand gestures quite frequently, as well, when I’m conversing. I do find it helps me get my point across to the person I’m speaking with. However, I feel communicating via technology and through other outlets can be just as effective as face to face in getting your point across and making stories more interesting, even with the absence of social cues. Authors of books and articles don’t use social cues, but their effective use of language gets their point across and they are able to communicate a great story or information to you that keeps you engaged and entertained.
I also find the “flaming” issue interesting. I would like to assume the majority of the people who are taking time to argue or post obscene material online are probably rude or bitter individuals in person. I have encountered classmates and other people who I become friends with online via facebook or twitter. I first notice their slight bitterness and negativity in person but it seems like the online world has become a place take out their anger. It would be interesting to observe how many people who “flame” actually correlate to their face to face interactions.
I found it interesting that people favored face to face conversation. Although this is my preference, sometimes it is easier to “get things off our chest” through the internet. With the internet being so prevalent in so many peoples lives, this shocked me!