The first thing I found interesting in this weeks reading was the date in which communication (more specifically video chat) began to be researched. The book says that it began in the 70s. When I think chatting I think more modern techniques such as Skype, FaceTime, etc. probably because they are the chosen mule of my generation. I was not aware that they were in the process of installing video chats for work purposes.
Something else that I appreciate about the author and found interesting, was his insistence on the continuation of face to face/physical contact. he says at one point, “I’d be the first to insist, there’s inviting like a warm hug.” I don’t know why I found that funny. Possibly because he’s an author on society’s new chosen form of communication, how it affects us, and what could be next. He must have spent years researching which could have strongly isolated him, but he still prefers warm contact. There is to replacement for that. Internet may take away loneliness but does nothing for the remain for interpersonal contact.
Finalky, quite astonishing to me, is the science behind texting and text lingo. To me it’s simple texting, means nothing. Everyone does it. But there are scientists, researchers, writers, etc who study these things in depth. It has been named, studied, there are college courses on it. And prior to reading the first few chapters of this book. I remained completely oblivious to how it is a major for of communication.
Much like yourself, I remember discovering that there existed an entire academic world that studied something I take for granted daily. However, when you take time to examine the issues that arises when a majority of people adopt something into their daily lives, you realize there need to be academics there to ask important questions. Everything from the unforeseen consequences to the future infrastructure needs to be considered and expounded upon. Even texting deserves to be examined, though to me it almost seems like a step backward from voice calling.
I completely agree with you about the video chatting existing before Facetime and Skype because this is what our generation was introduced to no less than 6 years ago. Much like yourself, I feel that texting is not a big deal while communicating on the phone unless it is business related pertaining to my job and even then my manager will e-mail or text me. I feel that texting is so much easier and the things you might want to say while talking seems like is easier to just type and press send. Communication via internet or text can start to hinder us but we feel as if it is beneficial because it is an easier way to get a point across. Never the less great post.
If you go back to the history of the internet presentation from the first module, you can see that communication channels emerged fairly quickly as an important aspect to the new “computer networks” that were being developed. Remember that email dates back to 1971, so it’s over 40 years old now. The drive to communicate through any means is very strong.
(Also, just FYI, the author of the book is a she!)
Depending on which one of my friends Im talking to, some prefer to have long conversations over text messages and others would prefer a phone call. One of my close friends does not like to talk on the phone and we always have serious conversations over texting. But, if we are meeting up somewhere she will call when she gets there and ask me where I’m at. That is the only time she will call though. I also agree nothing can replace face to face contact.
This may be because I’m old fashioned, but I must say that the author’s perspective of face-to-face conversation makes sense. While Facebook and Twitter may allow people to communicate with each other from across the globe, face-to-face conversations could be the best way to go. As for the text lingo mentioned in your blog, I was also unaware that scientists research it. Personally, I fail to see what there is to this type of research. From what I see, a lot of people already have the hang of it.
I echo everyone else’s sentiments about discovering this field of study. Your remark about the need for physical/interpersonal interaction also intrigued me. People often discuss how the increasing popularity of social media decreases the amount of time many people engage in “real life” communication. However, my personal experience has been that, while the ever-present smartphone often decreases the quality of contact, it rarely seems to totally replace face-to-face interaction. This exaggeration seems to become less prevalent as time goes on, but I still hear it thrown out there every once and a while. Perhaps there are a few cases in which people begin interacting with others almost solely online, but I’d venture to say that isn’t the norm.
There is nothing more inviting than a warm hug :) IN PERSON! I definitely agree and think that the internet may take away loneliness to some for a period of time, it definitely is temporary and interpersonal communication is very important but unfortunately diminishing in our society.