All studies in this assignment agree that the internet and the new technologies related to this communication media have significantly affected communication in our society. However, differences exist in the perception of those studying these phenomena, regarding its effect on interpersonal relationships. Moreover, the overall message from these studies suggests that the Internet and new technologies actually bring people together. Reinie and Wellman (chapter 1) conclude that “networking individualism” has created opportunities for people to expand beyond their traditional close groups, increased communication powers and information capabilities, provided at will access to people and friends, and allows society to connect beyond traditional groups. Baym states, “the very existence of an interactive medium that connects people across space gives rise to new connections” (Baym 148). In the case of Peter and Trudy, internet technology allowed them to reach a bigger network of people and allowed them to receive the valuable support of their online village. The Lenhart et al. article supports the belief that new technology such as texting plays a huge role in keeping teenagers and their parents connected. For the teens it’s the best way to stay connected with friends. For parents it’s a great way to stay connected with their children. They feel safe in knowing they can always reach their children. Nevertheless, reliable studies do not indicate that society’s embrace of these new technologies has had any effect on precluding traditional face to face contacts and dependence on close relationships.
There was nothing that shocked or confused me about these studies. Rather, the result of the studies supported my perception derived through personal experience with technology in my interpersonal relationships. The internet has not significantly affected the quality of my relationships or the quantity of face to face contacts with those I care about. I consider myself a member of the “networked individualism” group as defined by Reinie and Wellman. I am, like most people in my age group, a heavy texter and frequent user of social media. I have a social network of about 400 friends and acquaintances; However, I use face to face interactions just about as much as I do texting. My personal experience supports the results of Ling’s research which states there is no proof of direct relationship between the increase use of internet communication and social isolation.
I think it’s really interesting that you use face-to-face communication just as often as texting. Do you think you use it equally as much as social media in general? I find that I just don’t have the time to spend as much face time with people as I used to, and so I try to catch up with them via Facebook when I am settling down for the night.
I don’t think so, I’m rarely on Twitter or Facebook. It probably because I work and live in the same place (I’m a Resident Advisor) so the people I communicate with regularly are the same people I’m usually hanging out with in the lobby.
I also feel that CMC hasn’t had a negative affect on my relationships or face to face time with friends. I think its our society that has changed, with people moving more frequently away from friends and family or living alone when that wasn’t the norm 50 years ago. Its easier to blame CMC for these changes rather than admit that its society in general that has changed.
I think that is a good point. We are changing with society, but we also don’t see the changes in our social behavior because we are absorbed in it. It’s hard to pinpoint a cause, when there are certainly multiple factors leading to these changes. I think the redefining of ‘friendship’ and accompanying expectations has been a cyclical change. That is, changes have become integrated in the ways we use our technology and even how we create new technology to fit our ideal vision. Certain structures can lead to a kind of normalization of our behavior. Still, trends that might naturally occur are then blamed on the most novel of technologies.
I agree that in the end technology’s best attribute is to bring people together. I like the way you tied all the material into this main purpose. Also, I did not find anything suprising through the readings either. However, it did make me assesss my use of interpersonal relationships through technology.
I feel your point emphasizing the lack of evidence for social media diminishing our capacities to interact in real life will become more and more of a popular topic in the years to come as scholars study online communication in further detail. I’m sure most of us would be happy if this proved true, as I believe most of us, at one point or another, have expressed a distaste for the over-abundance of cynicism about the internet in general. Perhaps, once we’re able to overcome this, we’ll be better able to discover even more exciting possibilities.
One thing I thought about when you mentioned parents texting it rise in older generations of people texting such as my grandparents. It seems like they are adapting to the times.
It does seem that way. My mom and I text all the time and she’s an oldie. :p
I have to agree with you that these articles were very alligned with how I personally feel about the internet and CMC communication. I see it as a very positive thing, that can be used to strengthen relationships instead of weaken them. I actually believe that text messaging (and social media to a degree) actually keep me more connected to friends and family that live closer to me than I ever did before. Group text especially is a great way to stay in touch, because you can organize an entire party or dinner outing in less than five minutes. i enjoyed reading these articles, because they took the fears out of the internet and showcased the actual research done on these issues.