Technology and Interpersonal Communication Chapter 11 Technology Terms

Technology and Interpersonal Communication Chapter 11

Technology Terms • Content aggregation or “information architecture” refers to information that has been collected together from different sources and considered a whole Chapter 11 2

Technology Terms • Convergence is the integration of various technologies – Voice-activated computers – Cell phones that take pictures Chapter 11 3

Technology Terms • Computer-mediated communication (CMC) is the use of various technologies to facilitate communication with others Chapter 11 4

Characteristics of Communication Technology • Its pervasive – technology is everywhere • Its paradoxical – technology is conflicting, inconsistent, and ironic – global village Chapter 11 5

Characteristics of Communication Technology • Its powerful – technology influences people events and cultures Chapter 11 6

The Accessibility of Communication Technology • Accessibility helps to eliminate the technological gap between people and culture communities – Digital divide Chapter 11 7

The Accessibility of Communication Technology • Trends of technology 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 Chapter 11 8

What Does Accessibility of Communication Technology Have to do With Interpersonal Communication? • First, it creates problems with meaning Chapter 11 9

What Does Accessibility of Communication Technology Have to do With Interpersonal Communication? • Second, it has many positive benefits: – Increases safety – Creates a sense of play – Improves psychological well-being Chapter 11 10

The Internet: Connecting Now • The internet is a “superhighway” network of networks – It connects computers together and the information goes from one computer to another Chapter 11 11

The Dark Side of the Internet: Proceed with Caution • Little accountability or responsibility • Fostering of hate – Hate speech is extremely offensive language that is directed toward a particular group of people Chapter 11 12

The Dark Side of the Internet: Proceed with Caution • Flaming occurs when people exchange malicious, hostile, or insulting comments – Has been called “electronic road rage” - Invasion of privacy Chapter 11 13

The Bright Side of the Internet: New Opportunities • Widening your social networks – Computer mediated communication (CMC) allows people to seek out information and develop relationships Chapter 11 14

The Bright Side of the Internet: New Opportunities • Enhance your educational accessibility Chapter 11 15

The Presentation of Self Online • Avatars are a digital fictional and fantasy representation of a user in a virtual world • Signaling theory proposes that online users have qualities that they wish to present to others Chapter 11 16

Assumptions of Online Presentations of Self • Assumption 1 – The computer screen can deceive • Synchronous communication is when communication is taking place between the sender and receiver at the same time or in real time Chapter 11 17

Assumptions of Online Presentations of Self • Asynchronous communication is when the sender and receiver do not synchronize before and after each communication exchange Chapter 11 18

Assumptions of Online Presentations of Self • Assumption 2 – Online discussions often prompt introspection Chapter 11 19

Assumptions of Online Presentations of Self • Assumption 3 – Online discussions promote selforientation Chapter 11 20

Identity Markers on the Internet • An identity marker is an electronic extension of who someone is – Screen names or nick names that are used to communicate the individuality of the sender of a message Chapter 11 21

Identity Markers on the Internet • Personal homepages or web pages present a number of characteristics of a person such as: hobbies, pets, home, or links to other groups Chapter 11 22

Communication Technology and Relational Maintenance • The electronic and face-to-face relationships • The “language” of online relationships – Abbreviated language is used for efficiency Chapter 11 23

Communication Technology and Relational Maintenance • Graphic accents such as smiley faces are used to communicate emotions – Articon is a picture used in an electronic message Chapter 11 24

Communication Technology and Relational Maintenance • Social networking: beyond the keyboard - refers to linking people or groups of people who share common interests Chapter 11 25

Choices for Improving Online Communication Skills • Sender and receiver skills for electronic messages – Take responsibility for your own words Chapter 11 26