Quote: "After two decades of psycho-social research on the impact of computer mediated communications (CMC) and social network sites on relationships, a summary reveals that internet use does not necessarily lead to negative, anti-social behavior.
On the contrary, cyber or online social networking may increase a person's social ease, the breadth and depth of off-line relationships, and their overall "social capital" – the resources accumulated through the relationships with people."
Response: This has been quite a debate for some time. I agree that online communication can be both negative and positive. On one hand, people feel they will have the courage to say something online that they might not in person (this can be good or bad.) Negatively, some people have separate friends, interests, and complete lives online. Some people have friends that, even though they see everyday, they only talk to online and never in person. But overall, I fell online communication does not lead to anti-social behavior. I think quite the opposite. I believe online communication increases a person's social behavior. It lets users communicate in other ways than the telephone and in-person. It makes talking to someone more convenient, also it opens the possibility of talking to more than one person at once (either together in chat rooms, or separately.) And lets not forget about crossing national lines. Online communication makes this much easier. I think online communication increases social interaction...it's still you talking. So why would that not be considered social interaction?
Related resource:
Sources:
Owens, L. (n.d.). Internet & Anti-Social Behavior Theory Unfounded: Facebook, MySpace, Online: Research Refutes Cyber Socializing Fears | Suite101.com. Psychology | Suite101.com. Retrieved October 20, 2011, from http://laura-owens.suite101.com/internet--anti-social-behavior-theory-unfounded-a111897
Royalty Free Stock Photo: Online communication. (n.d.). Stock Photography: Download Free Stock Photos & Royalty Free Images. Retrieved October 20, 2011, from http://www.dreamstime.com/online-communication-image3114415
I completely understand what you are saying about the benefits of online communication. They definitely create positive aspects that aren't always allowed through verbal communication. While I think there is a fine line between the two, online and verbal communication work together to create benefits that otherwise would suffer if only one form of communication was used.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you are saying here but there is also the possibility of people taking it the other direction and using it to hurt other people with their antagonistic words. Other than that you hit it the nail on the head. Even such things as online video games add news way to develop new social groups and friendships.
ReplyDeleteGreat response. I enjoyed how you explained how the internet really helps to keep people communicating in other ways than just by phone or in person. I have a friend who is overseas and facebook is the only way we can communicate so I totally agree
ReplyDeleteI also agree. There are many ups and downs when dealing with social networking. For the most part I think it has a positive affect on people when using it appropriately! good job
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