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Chapter 11

Technology & Interpersonal Communication

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Technology Terms

• Computer-mediated communication (CMC) – the use of various technologies to facilitate

communication with others

• Technological determinism – suggests that technology is irreversible,

inevitable, inescapable

Characteristics of Comm. Technology

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© 2011 Cengage Learning

Characteristics ofCommunication Technology

• It is pervasive• It is paradoxical

– “global village” – global suggests an expansive view of the world; village suggests a small community

• It is powerful

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The Accessibility of Communication Technology

• Accessibility helps eliminate the technological gap between people and culture communities– “digital divide”

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The Accessibility of Communication Technology

• Access Trends of tech. users:– Elite tech users = 31% of American adults– Middle-of-the-road tech users = 20% of

American adults– Few tech assets = 49% of American adults

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The Accessibility of Communication Technology

• Problems with meaning can occur especially when not all have access.

• Access to technology also has benefits:– Increases safety– Creates a sense of play– Improves psychological well-being

Facts about Internet Usage

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Web 1.0, 2.0, 3.0

• Web 1.0– primarily a storehouse of info & tools

• Web 2.0– broader, more interactive , more democratic

• Web 3.0– computers think intuitively; exists largely in theory

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The Dark Side of the Internet

• Little Accountability or Responsibility• Fostering of Hate • “Flaming”• Privacy

– Invasion of . . – Loss of info. Control– Regret

The Dark Side of the Internet

• Privacy– Invasion of . . – Loss of info. Control– Regret

The Bright Side of the Internet

• Widening your Social Network • Increase Knowledge base• Remaining Connected

Throughout Life– With some training, older adults

can derive many benefits from using technology.

Issues with the “Presented” Online Self

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Assumptions of Online Presentations of Self

• Assumption 1: The computer screen can deceive

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Assumptions of Online Presentations of Self

• Assumption 2: Online discussions often prompt introspection

• Assumption 3: Online discussions promote self-orientation

• Assumption 4: Self-disclosure occurs online– PCDP = postcyberdisclosure panic

Maintain a relationship online

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© 2011 Cengage Learning

Advantages to Meeting Someone Online

• Many people online “looking”• “Profile” previewing to screen out • You know something about how the

other person thinks and writes• You know how to contact him or her• Interaction without identity revealing

– Can make us feel safer

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Advantages to Meeting Someone Online

• You can do all of this for less than that it might cost for a typical first date

• “Hyperdating”:– refers to this accelerated development of online

relationships

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The “Language” of Online Relationships

• Abbreviated language– LOL, ASL, BRB, TTYL, FMTYEWTK– Shared meaning can be a challenge here

• Graphic accents– Emoticons (Ch. 7) ;-) :-/ – Articon (::{}::) =^.^= \m/– Both of these add to the content and

relational dimensions of a message

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Communication Technology and Relational Maintenance

• Social networking: – refers to linking people or groups of people who

share common interests– Includes Facebook, Twitter, Google +, etc.– Allow easy sharing of various communication:

• Email, IM, file sharing, blogs, etc.

– 134 million unique Facebook profiles, second only to Google in traffic, projected 2015 revenue equal to MTV

Improving Online Communication Skills

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© 2011 Cengage Learning

Choices for Improving Online Communication Skills

• Sender skills for electronic messages– Be succinct when necessary – Write literally – Stay polite – Take a deep breath

© 2011 Cengage Learning

Choices for Improving Online Communication Skills

• Receiver skills for electronic messages– Check in with the sender– Show empathy when possible– Listen beyond the words

© 2011 Cengage Learning

Choices for Improving Online Communication Skills

• Sender AND receiver skills for electronic messages– Take responsibility for your own words– Build your dialogue– Recall the challenge of online

communication