Quote: "The relative anonymity of being on-line promotes self-expression. In addition, the relative absence of non-verbal cues (e.g. attractiveness) and the ability to link with others with similar interests, values and beliefs facilitates the formation of relationships based on deeper connections such as shared values and beliefs."
Reaction: I never really bought into the idea that social networking was going to be the end of all face to face communication between people. I think people still know the difference between spending actual time together and virtual time together. However, I never thought about social networking as actually being beneficial to people's social relationships. How many times have you not spoken to someone or decided not to be friends with them simply based on the way they look? How many times have you not said what you were really think or done what you wanted because people were looking at you? Just think about that. The internet allows you to connect to and relate to people that you may have never thought to have talked to in person. Instead of worrying about the clothes or makeup they are wearing, you are more focused on their personality, thoughts, and opinons. I don't think this means that face to face interaction has less value, but a person's social relationships (existing and new) can certainly be enhanced by communicating via the internet and social networks.
Resource: Owens, L. (2009, April 23). Internet & Anti-Social Behavior Theory Unfounded: Facebook, MySpace, Online: Research Refutes Cyber Socializing Fears | Suite101.com. Psychology Suite 101. Retrieved October 20, 2011, from http://laura-owens.suite101.com/internet--anti-social-behavior-theory-unfounded-a111897
Related Resource: http://socialmediatoday.com/dirktherabbit/226552/social-media-increases-face-face-interaction
I enjoyed your reaction a lot and I think it is very true. Say you don't really like jocks so when you see one in class you don't really feel the need to talk to them, but lets say you end up talking to the same person through maybe video game that you both enjoy which creates a common interest. You can not see him and don't know what he looks like but after talking to the person for awhile online you talk about where you are from and find out that they were that person in class that you neglected to speak to and though you would never get along. Though you thought you would never talk to a person like that in your life, you may end up becoming close friends.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Social networking allows you to see the actual personality of person without just looking at their appearance. A person will more than likely talk to someone without being put on the spot.
ReplyDeleteI have had some great online pen pals over the years that I met through various social sites. I met my current significant other via a social site. I almost hit the delete button, but was so impressed with his good grammar, spelling and punctuation that I kept up an e-mail correspondence which eventually led to months of long phone calls and, well, here I am in West Virginia.
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