Intrapersonal Communication and the Internet

Intrapersonal Communication as Cognitive CollaborationChapter 7

Meghan HusseySamantha MatthieuAmanda PastoreSamantha PetersRyan Poland

Intrapersonal Communicationand the Internet

Intrapersonal Communications Model

Intrapersonal CommunicationIntrapersonal communication is the act of communicating with or within the self.

Verbal or nonverbal stimuli are taken in, and we then use cognitive senses (thinking, reflection, or mental processing) to assess the stimuli to form a response.

This action is often not recognizable to others.

This self talk draws on our past experiences to address the present.

Intrapersonal CommunicationVerbal or nonverbal stimuli are taken in, and we then use cognitive senses (thinking, reflection, or mental processing) to assess the stimuli to form a response.Intrapersonal Communication is defined as the communication process within an individual. The way that society communicates in our complex daily lives may only be understood after we are able to comprehend that communication utterly relies on our particular perceptions.Brooks, William D., and Phillip Emmert. "Intrapersonal Communication." (1976). Web.

The InternetThe self talk that we have within ourselves is put into words on the internet in places such as blogs, online journals, personal websites, etc.

We can develop many different types of relationships online that involve all aspects of life

Social situations are often intensified through an online experienceThe Internet gives a sense of securityWhen we are online and developing a relationship, we are more apt to share our thoughtsA new form of sharing our thoughts develops due to the added confidence of not needing to addressing someone face-to-faceWe develop a new interest in decoding symbols on the internet and relate those symbols to our personal experiences and interactions The computer helps us reflect more deeply on our own thoughts, as well as give us easy access to the thoughts of othersFundamentals of Inner/Outer SpeechInner Speech is the act of communicating with yourself internally. This occurs when you use words to sort information and attach meaning to what is occurring.

Inner Speech is more abbreviated and rapid than interpersonal communication.

Outer Speech is the act of speaking to another person.

Note: It is always important to consider what the other person knows and what they do not know.

7Most people use the Internet to communicate with friends and family. (Watt & White, 1999)It is harder to adjust messages through electronic mailThere is no immediate feedback unless there is simultaneous conversation (both respondents are online at the same time)Face-to-face conversation is removed and both participants have to analyze and ponder the messagesCommunication on the InternetThe Internet promotes active learning and the ability to work cooperatively with people who think differently from oneselfIn order to understand human communication on the Internet, we must take into account both the stimuli produced and sent via computer and the intrapersonal processes involved in making sense of those stimuli. (Campbell & Neer, 2001)

Berlos Modelimage courtesy of http://www.uri.edu/artsci/lsc/Faculty/Carson/508/03Website/Hayden/berlo.htmlThe active process of human communication and interpretation of meaningThe model accounts for a variety of human variables that are present in face to face communicationShows communication as a continuous and changing processBerlos ModelThe Internet is an intensifier of the intrapersonal aspects of communication (Shedletsky, 1993)Cognitive collaboration is the interplay of the inner and outer (intrapersonal and interpersonal)Resolving the Inner/Outer DichotomyThe Human Action Perspective: A way of analyzing human communication on the Internet based on the subjectivity of the computer communication experience (Winch, 1958) Emphasizes the importance of comprehending symbolism and interactionElements of Understanding Mediation: Consideration or negotiation which takes place on the internetCommunication: Reaching a common understanding through interplay.Cultural Mediational Artifacts: Nonverbal communication and cultural information that help people interpret communicationContext: The situation, environment, or situated meaningMind: Refers to the cognitive processes of thinking.Collaborating Cognitively There is more time to think about the meaning of what we say and receive (encoding and decoding modes) and more reflective processing time may intensify intrapersonal communication (Aitken & Shedletsky, 1998)Some write as they think on the Internet in a spontaneous stream of consciousness which is similar to face-to-face conversationThe Internet enhances the information processing aspects of communication, which enables the assignment of meaning, the use of implication and inference, and the determination of social actionCognitive Collaboration on the InternetInternet mediated communication brings to consciousness fundamental aspects of communication that are more often transparent in other modes; turn-taking alternating messages, juxtaposition of utterances, matching what one person says to the other) and ambiguity (lack of predictability).Standard rules of interaction break down on the Internet, message coherence is disrupted, overlaps and other breakdowns in turn order result in failure to stay focused on the topic.Research says that these rules are less important than in face to face communication because of the nature of the interaction and language play on the internet.A Source of IdentityThe internet can shape the self (pg. 127)Opportunities on the internet help individuals express their marginalized selves (i.e. homosexual) through internet groups based on these specific identities. This in turn helps them find greater self-acceptance and self-confidence. Matsuba, Kyle M. "Searching for Self and Relationships Online." CyberPsychology and Behavior 9.3 (2006): 1-11.

Presentation of Self on the InternetWhile using a computer an individual is primarily communication intrapersonally.Even posts on a discussion board may never be read and therefore remain an intrapersonal thought.On the subconscious level individuals use their posts to give off impressions. Because the user is unaware of who may be reading the post, the individual wants to create a favorable impression. Walker, Katherine. "Its Difficult to Hide It: The Presentation of Self on Internet Home Pages." Qualitative Sociology 23.1 (2000): 100-21.

Presentation of Self on the Internet

The presentation of the self on the internet is a form of intrapersonal communication. The individual using the internet may have a sense of communicating with others or collaborating as in a discussion board, but the response from the reader may also be intrapersonally contained. Walker, Katherine. "Its Difficult to Hide It: The Presentation of Self on Internet Home Pages." Qualitative Sociology 23.1 (2000): 100-21.

The Second SelfThe computer serves as a second self by engaging the individual in intrapersonal communication and self-exploration available in no other way (pg. 127)

Example of the Second SelfCompulsive shoppers find their identity by using their computers to make purchases. Slogans such as I shop therefore I am and retail therapy help shoppers justify their unhealthy addiction to shopping. This intrapersonal communication helps to self-validate bring confidence to the shopping addict. Dittmar, Helga, Karen Long, and Rob Bond. "WHEN A BETTER SELF IS ONLY A BUTTON CLICK AWAY." Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology 26.3 (2007): 334-61.

Computers + Users= Unique VocabularyThe similarities between computers and people arouse a unique vocabulary (pg. 128)People use computers to understand other people (pg. 128)Example: Using computer jargon in everyday conversation: Dont ask him about the project, he is so offline

Goldsborough, Reid. "Computer Jargon: Time to Learn the Language." The Online Adviser Sept. 1999.Talking on the InternetAccording to Nofsinger, talking on the internet brings on its own set of rules:Taking turns in conversationThe order of what is saidPlacement of messagesContextConfusion over meaningSilencePlay on words

Attributing Human Characteristics to ComputersComputers have many human features. They can:

Appear to think and communicateServe as a link to other humansFeel like an extension of the selfBe the basis for strong emotional attachments

Attributing Human Characteristics to Computers While the computer today serves as an extension of the self, the internet has become the otherWebsites are now so individualized that people can interact with them in very human-like ways. For example, one can find advice on problem they are having, as if seeking guidance from a friend.

Interactive CommunicationThe internet creates cognitive and social interactionAs humans, we have cognitive limits that create a tendency within us to avoid difficult thinkingInternet-mediated communication expands these cognitive limitsThe internet can serve as guidance to acquiring information and maintaining relationships

Interactive CommunicationThe internet is a human process of social interaction which affects language and symbolsUnlike other media, the internet requires the user to interact with oneself and others

InteractionismTheory of communication that proposes that the process of social interaction affects and changes language and symbolsThe ability to interpret the symbolic gestures of others is what allows humans to interact.Body gestures, vocal intonations, groans, etc. are all forms of symbolic communication in face-to-face interactionsComputer-Mediated Communication breaks away from these traditional symbols

Bellamy, Al and Cheryl Hanewicz. Social Psychological Dimensions of Electronic Communication. Electronic Journal of Sociology 4, no. 1 (1999)InteractionismCommunication acts as the essence of society and the major force of social lifeMany people feel that what happens online is in a separate world than what happens in every day life

Baym, Nancy K. A Call for Grounding in the Face of Blurred Boundaries. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication 14, no. 3 (2009): 720-723

Cognitive CollaborationThrough cognitive collaboration, the internet intensifies an interactionist effect on self-developmentSome people develop into very different people on the internet, or some elements of an individual become intensified while communicating on the internetThe internet can increase a persons imaginative interaction with the self

Food for thoughtCould the internet completely reshape the way humans interact and interpret communication?

Role Playing IdentityThe internet allows people to be more open about themselves. In CMC, they are more aware of themselves as opposed to another individual.Group identification on the internet describes how members identification with the group changes for different wanted identities: Reducing selfs actual identity helps one to distance themselves from the unfavorable situation.

Wang, Zuoming, Joseph Walther, and Jeffrey Hancock. "Social Identification and Interpersonal Communication in Computer-Mediated Communication: What You Do Versus Who You Are in Virtual Groups." Human Communication Research (2009): 59-85. Web. 27 Oct. 2009.Role Playing Identity contThe internet allows individuals to be the person they really are as opposed to the person the other people see. EXAMPLE: Someone with disabilities can develop a relationship with another that isnt based on their disability. Relationships can be created without judgment being passed. This is one advantage internet based communication has over face-to-face.

Culture The internet allows people of different backgrounds to share experiences.

The 9/11 attacks, for example, saw many culturally different people die. The internet allowed people who lost someone in the attacks to share their feelings and help one another through the pain regardless of culture.

Age and the InternetPROS Children can gain knowledge from the internet and become experienced in different things. They can play games, learn, and communicate with others.CONS Internet predators; adults can lure children in by pretending to be someone they are not (Ex. To Catch A Predator)Past research has found a negative impact of Internet use on psychological well-being of young adults. For example, Kraut et al. (1998) found that loneliness and depression increased, and family communication decreased, as Internet usage increased in a sample of teenagers and adults who used the Internet on average 2 1/2 hours per week.

Chen, Yiwei, and Anna Persson. "INTERNET USE AMONGYOUNG ANDOLDER ADULTS: RELATIONTOPSYCHOLOGICALWELL-BEING." Educational Gerontology 28 (2002): 731-46. 2002. Web. 27 Oct. 2009.

Age and the InternetSenior Citizens can use the internet to keep the mind active and help with other facets of life that can become difficult with age. Contrary to the findings of negative impact of Internet use on psychological well-being of young adults, an emerging literature on internet use among older adults suggests positive effects on psychological well-being.

Chen, Yiwei, and Anna Persson. "INTERNETUSE AMONGYOUNG ANDOLDER ADULTS: RELATIONTOPSYCHOLOGICALWELL-BEING." Educational Gerontology 28 (2002): 731-46. 2002. Web. 27 Oct. 2009.

Age and the InternetWith technology and the internet increasing in size daily, it is important that older adults become more aware of it in order to keep up with todays world.

Workshops are available for older adults not familiar with computers. Adults can benefit from learning computer/internet use.

GenderWomen use e-mail more than men and have less stereotypical attitudes about the internet.Past research found women to have a more subjective approach to the internet.Women were believed to have little influence on technology.They were never given appropriate credit for inventions due to needing financial support from men.GenderToday, women have more of an impact on the internet and technology.

Women can just as easily as men use computers and gain access to free e-mail, build websites, and communicate with others.

Women find online communication rewarding, enjoyable, and empowering.

GenderOne study found men to send more messages than women that were twice as long as well.

Men were found to make more socio-emotional contributions than women.

Women, however, participated more often in group messaging than did men.

Notes To End OnCognitive collaboration in the interplay of you intrapersonal and interpersonal communication.

Interactions on the internet help individuals mentally in reaching a common meaning with othersReferencesAitken, J., & Shedletsky, L. (2004). Human Communication on the Internet. Pearson Education Inc. pg.122-1226Baym, Nancy K. A Call for Grounding in the Face of Blurred Boundaries. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication 14, no. 3 (2009): 720-723Bellamy, Al and Cheryl Hanewicz. Social Psychological Dimensions of Electronic Communication. Electronic Journal of Sociology 4, no. 1 (1999)Berlo, D.(1960). The Process of Communication. New York:Holt, Rinehart and Winston Inc.Brooks, William D., and Phillip Emmert. "Intrapersonal Communication." (1976). Web.

ReferencesChen, Yiwei, and Anna Persson. "INTERNET USE AMONGYOUNG ANDOLDER ADULTS: RELATIONTOPSYCHOLOGICALWELL-BEING." Educational Gerontology 28 (2002): 731-46. 2002. Web. 27 Oct. 2009.Dittmar, Helga, Karen Long, and Rob Bond. "WHEN A BETTER SELF IS ONLY A BUTTON CLICK AWAY." Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology 26.3 (2007): 334-61.Goldsborough, Reid. "Computer Jargon: Time to Learn the Language." The Online Adviser Sept. 1999.

ReferencesMatsuba, Kyle M. "Searching for Self and Relationships Online." CyberPsychology and Behavior 9.3 (2006): 1-11.Walker, Katherine. "Its Difficult to Hide It: The Presentation of Self on Internet Home Pages." Qualitative Sociology 23.1 (2000): 100-21.Wang, Zuoming, Joseph Walther, and Jeffrey Hancock. "Social Identification and Interpersonal Communication in Computer-Mediated Communication: What You Do Versus Who You Are in Virtual Groups." Human Communication Research (2009): 59-85. Web. 27 Oct. 2009.