Download Technology's Impact on Interpersonal Communication: Pervasive, Paradoxical, and Powerful - and more Study notes Communication and Development studies in PDF only on Docsity! Ch 11: Technology and Interpersonal Communication Our society always remains too curious to learn about new technologies and we also demand new innovations. Technology determinism states that technology is irreversible, inevitable, and inescapable. I. Characteristics of Communication Technology: three characteristics of technology are it is pervasive (everywhere), paradoxical (inconsistent, conflicting, and ironic) and powerful (influences people, events, and entire cultures). II. The Accessibility of Communication Technology: it refers to the availability of technology to everyone. It eliminates the gap between people and cultures. It increases safety, creates a sense of play, and improves psychological well being between and among people. III. The Internet: Connecting now: “network of networks.” It has changed they way people work, learn, play, and communicate. They should be approached cautiously. It is a place where you find every kind of fraud. 1. little accountability- its easy to make a web page. 2. Fostering Hate- hate on the Internet is alive and proliferation. One way to combat hate is to visit sites that have wiped out cultural hate. 3. Flaming- people exchange malicious, hostile, or insulting comments. Flamers using the Internet often suffer from social or psychological instability since many would not engage in this hostility in face-to-face interactions. 4. Privacy scarified- issuance of private information to others. When we disclose our information we allow others to frame our words in any manner they want. IV. The Bright Side of the Internet: New Opportunities: widen our social network and enhances our educational opportunities. V. The Presentation of Self Online- how individual presents themselves online. 1. Assumptions #1 – The Computer Screen Can Deceive- people pretend to be someone who they are not. Men can pretend to be women. 2. #2- Online Discussions Often Prompt Introspection- most of out interpersonal encounters move freely from one point to the other, with little reflection time. 3. #3- Online Discussions Promote Self-Orientation- we tend to value our way of doing things. 4. #4 Self Disclosure Occurs Online- some people feel comfortable disclosing online because they don’t have to deal with immediate reactions of disgust, disappointment, or confusion. VI. Identity Markers on the Internet: electronic extension of who someone is. 1. Screen names- uniqueness of the sender. It also gives insight into people’s interest or values. Bad and good affects. 2. Personal Home pages- depicts who the person is. It is often enlightening to others. Communicate their identity on the Internet. VII. Communication Technology and Relational Maintenance: people are able to initiate, maintain, and terminate relationships through technological means. 1. The Electronic and Face-to-Face relationship: hyper dating- development of an online relationship at “lightening speed.” 2. The Language of Online Relationships- primary way of communication Abbreviated Language- texter’s familiarity with the receiver.
