Interpersonal Communication on the Internet

Group 4Jessica Skillin Hallett

Shelley Gagne

Charlene Smith

Arthur Vose

Casey Washburn

Definition of Interpersonal communication

• The process through which people create and manage their relationships exercising mutual responsibility in creating meaning

• Components include meaning, relationship, and process

• Interpersonal communication has many functions, including meeting social/psychological needs, attempting to achieve goals, developing a sense of self, and acquiring information

(Verderber, et.al, 2007)

What is Internet Communication?

• Chat rooms• IM• Facebook• Email

• BUT what happens when we combine the two?

• Is it possible to have a deep, personable relationship solely based on online communication?

What’s a computer without the Internet!

• The majority of us view the computer “more of an instrument for communication” more then anything else.

• Results indicated that while the internet was integrated into college students’ social lives, face-to-face communication remained the

dominant mode of interaction. Participants reported using the internet as often as the telephone (Baym)

Relationship Between Interpersonal and Internet Communication

• Similarities between face to face and internet communication include:

• Community

• The ability of people to come together

• to have a sense of sharing in an online environment

• Immediacy, a feeling of closeness and a sense of emotional proximity, in spite of physical distance

(Shedlestsky & Aitken, 2004)

Relationship between Interpersonal and Internet Communication,

continued

• Differences between the two include:

• Internet communication lacks non-verbal cues, so that communicators can’t tell what the other is thinking

• Internet communication allows for anonymity, and communicators can hide their true identity

(Morio & Buchholz, 2009)

Case study article

• Little difference found in relationships formed face to face or online

• Little difference between online work groups and face to face work groups

• Social penetration theory helps explain how internet communication and face to face communication work similarly

• Rather than focusing on the characteristics of the medium, it might be more productive to focus on the characteristics of the communication. Language that increases intimacy, social penetration, or message immediacy may help to combat the limitations of the medium.

(McDaniel, 2005)

Cultural Differences in Interpersonal Internet Communication

• Some ethnic communities in the United States (i.e.,Korean) use the internet to strengthen their cultural traditions and language

• As a result, the internet has the potential to reach a broad audience within various ethnic communities

(Wilkin et.al., 2007)

Gender and Interpersonal Internet Communication

• Women find computer-based communication to be effective and are more likely to use computer mediated communication than men

(Mitra, 2005)

• Women comprise 56.2% of Facebook users (http://www.insidefacebook.com/2009/02/02/fastest-growing-demographic-on-facebook-women-over-) 55% Teens are Obsessed with Sex, Drugs, and Violence on Myspace

Skill Section: Speed, Reach, Anonymity,

Regard, and Interactivity

Speed:

• “Have you ever used a slower computer than the one you are used to and you find yourself tapping your fingers waiting for a web page to load up, or you wonder if the computer is working because it takes “so long” to load the page?” (Shedletsky & Aitken, 2004, p. 149)

• I am sure we have all felt frustrated at some point while using a computer or any other form of technology.

Old (2002) Dell laptop that is very slow due to viruses VS. New (2008) HP laptop that is very fast.

I asked my roommate to use both computers to check her e-mail to see how she would react:

• Old Computer

• After using the older computer, my roommate was yelling from her bedroom, “This computer is so slow! This is ridiculous!”

• She actually stopped using the computer and never checked her e-mail because she became so aggravated.

• New Computer• When my roommate checked her e-

mail on this laptop, everything went smoothly. She did not become frustrated or storm out of her room in a fit. She simply handed me my computer and asked me why I had her check her e-mail on both computers.

Shedletsky & Aitken (2004) make an interesting point:

“When we ask our students if all this speed has given them additional leisure time, they strongly react with just the opposite, namely, they feel like they are running on a treadmill and cannot keep up with all that is coming at them” (p. 149).

→Do you feel like you are running on a treadmill? Do you feel like you cannot keep up?

Reach:

• When you go on vacation, do you bring your cell phone or computer with you? Are your work, friends, and family able to reach you at any time?

• Reach means that you are making yourself available at anytime and in any place.

“Is it possible that the Internet is just one more step in the fragmentation of society?” (Shedletsky &

Aitken, 2004, p. 150)

• YES! We all want things immediately, we have to have it now! We are becoming so impatient because of technology. We are dependent on technology to get us what we want, when we want it. The Internet is convenient for us. We do not need to leave the house to see a friend, we can see them online. We do not need to leave the house to buy things, we can order them online.

Regard:• Do you get excited knowing you may have an e-mail waiting in your

inbox? Do you ever get excited to check your facebook to see if anyone has left you a message?

• “Not surprising, humans hunger for regard, in a world that so often treats us as a cog in the efficiency model,” (Shedletsky & Aitken, 2004, p. 150).

• According to research this hunger for regard may be “causing us to feel nervous and frustrated—to feel rage at times,” (Shedletsky & Aitken, 2004, p. 150).

• This nervous frustration and anger is said to lead to rage not just on the highways (road rage), but also rage on the Internet (flaming).

• Flaming may be encouraged by anonymity . . .

Anonymity:• People are more apt to speak up and communicate when

they are anonymous.

• According to Shedletsky & Aitken (2004), “Anonymity online likely enhances the chances that one will express their anger openly, since your anger is not attached to “you.” (p. 150).

Embroidery Organization Information• This is a group set up on a Yahoo discussion forum where people can speak their mind “in response to piracy and copyright infringement charges made by the embroidery coalition against those who share embroidery designs obtained from embroidery software and from embroidery design companies,” (Goldsborough, 2006).

• Most of the participants agreed to sign up on as anonymous. Due to this, the embroidery coalition got a subpoena to force Yahoo to reveal the identities of the participating in the discussion board because they did not like some of the things that were being said.

• The courts did not agree and “recognized that plaintiffs can’t pierce anonymity just because they don’t like what someone has said” (Goldsborough, 2006).

• Internet anonymity has a long tradition, and anonymity in general has an even longer one. As the electronic foundation said in its motion to quash, “Internet discussion groups are forums for the exchange of information and ideas. They fulfill the same function in modern America as local newspapers and printed broadsides in colonial America and coffeehouse publications like the Tatler and Spectator in seventeenth century England. Participants sometimes use their own names but often use pseudonyms, just as Benjamin Franklin used “Silence Dogood” and many other pseudonyms.” (Goldsborough, 2006).

Interactivity:

• Interactivity on the Internet is much different than face to face communication.

• When communicating on the internet, there are no nonverbal cues like there are face to face.

• “Reduced social cues may render online relationships less fulfilling that f2f relationships ,” (Shedletsky & Aitken, 2004, p. 151).

• Social Context Cues Theory: online relationships are not as intimate as f2f relationships

• Social Presence Theory: communication is impersonal and not as intimate as in f2f exchanges (the feeling of involvement is low)

• Social Penetration Theory: intimacy is developed slowly as self-disclosures are outer layers are revealed, than the inner layers (beliefs, values, etc.) are revealed

Disinhibition Effect• Six Factors:1. Dissociative Anonymity- “When people have the opportunity to separate their actions online from their in-

person lifestyle and identity, they feel less vulnerable about self-disclosing and acting out,” (Suler, 2004).

2. Asynchronicity- “People don’t interact with each other in real time. Others may take minutes, hours, days, or even months to reply. Not having to cope with someone’s immediate reaction disinhibits people,” (Suler, 2004).

3. Solipsistic Interjection- “Absent face-to-face cues combined with text communication can alter self-boundaries. People may feel that their mind has merged with the mind of the online companion. Reading another person’s message might be experienced as a voice within one’s head, as if that person’s psychological presence and influence have been assimilated or introjected into one’s psyche,” (Suler, 2004)

4. Dissociative Imagination- “Consciously or unconsciously, people may feel that the imaginary characters they “created” exist in a different space, that one’s online persona along with the online others live in an make-believe dimension, separate and apart from the demands and responsibilities of the real world,” (Suler, 2004)

5. Minimization of Status and Authority- “Everyone—regardless of status, wealth, race, or gender—starts off on a level playing field,” (Suler, 2004).

6. Individual Differences and Predispositions- “The intensity of a person’s underlying feelings, needs, and drive level affect susceptibility to disinhibition,” (Suler, 2004).

Pros And Cons Of The Internet And The Family

+• Accessibility

• Support

• Information

• Connections

• Self-confidence

• Love

-• Isolation

•Uncertainty •Deception

•Hate

•Decrease in relationships

Adoption On The Internet

•With Technology today the process of adoption can be handled online.

•The Internet does not only have an Influence on family it can actually beused to create a family!

• “Today, potential parents wanting to adopt are increasingly using the Internet to research about adoption as well as display themselves as worthy potential par-ent(s).” (Wahl, S., McBride, M., & Schrodt, P., 2005).

Adoption On The Internet• The internet can lend support for people adopting. Instead of

trying to find people in one’s area they can connect with other families who are adopting all over the world.

• The Internet allows families easily access information and answers to questions they might be having

• “Recently, many Web sites have emerged that provide information and tips for completing the adoptive process, although for most sites the actual processof adoption is still performed offline” (Wahl, S., McBride, M., & Schrodt, P.,2005).

Adoption On The Internet • Websites have become very intriguing and engaging for

families looking to adopt. • The article “Point and Click Parents” does bring up some

concerns for adopting online such as;• False Impressions - It is never for sure if people are honest when using the

internet. Are they really the “perfect” family?

• Language that suggest children are a commodities that are being sold.

• Adopting online might change the definition of what it means to be a family.

• Websites are set up more as a marketing website, with classified like posts.

• As technology grows so does the possibilities for adoption online.• More research is vital for online adoption.

Teenagers On The Internet

• The Internet has become a huge part of teenagers lives.

• Programs such as, instant messengers, blogs, facebook, and email make the internet a ideal place for teens to connect with other kids their age.

• The article “Adolescents On The Net: Internet Use And Well-Being.”

explains that communicating on the internet can actually decrease loneliness and social anxiety for adolescents.

Teenagers On The Internet

• Family life can also have an effect on teenagers use and dependence on the internet.

• “There was some indication that participants who reported receiving less support from their parents were more likely to have met an online acquaintance and to have become good friends with him or her.” (Subrahmanyam, Lin, 2007).

•The overall well-being and self- confidence of teenagers can be positively effected by Communication on the internet.

Teenagers On The Internet • Remember that the use of the internet does not always

have positive effects on young adults.

• It can increase loneliness and separation from family.• “…and frequency of Internet use was negatively related to

adolescents' perception about the quality of family relationships (Mesch, 2003)” (Subrahmanyam, Lin, 2007).

• It can increase social anxiety • Isolation can take place if teenagers do not also communicate

face-to-face.• The Internet can weaken social ties. • Concerns for safety (strangers and predators online)

• Internet use should be in moderation for all teenagers.

• Research continues to be done on the changing effects of the internet on teens.

College Students On The Internet

• As teenagers get older there is a time where they leave home and venture to college. Luckily, today families are able to stay close through the use of the internet.

• “From birth, these individuals have been exposed to technology thatwas not invented in previous generations”(Janusik, L., & Wolvin,A.,2009).

• The internet allows for busy college students to talk to there families as well as write a paper, do research, check the news and one’s email all at the same time.

College Students On The Internet

• When I went off to college I remembering so thankful for the internet. I was able to video chat and send many emails

daily to my family.

• As technology grows its clear that it continues to play a

bigger and bigger role in college students lives.

• “Not surprisingly, student communicators spend a considerable amount of time communicating through mediated communication channels and less time communicating in face-to-face interactions” (Janusik, L., & Wolvin, A.,2009).

How do Internet Communication and Relationships fit together?

• Ability to meet people you otherwise may not have the opportunity too, (meeting people and creating relationships)

• Enhancing existing relationships with family and friends.

• Maintaining long distance relationships.

(Shedleskey & Aitkin, 2004)

Online Relationships: Good or Evil?

• Some of the online relationships result in a strong bond that is similar to a face-to-face relationship

• But in most cases, individuals incorporate a fantasy, stereotypical, idealized, nature to the relationship, which they perceive as reality (Shedleskey & Aitkin 146).

How Internet Communication may effect a relationship.

• Google-ing a person before going to meet them on a blind date.

• Online dating services.

• Chat rooms Social networking sites in general.

(Shedleskey & Aitkin, 2004)

Teens are Obsessed with Sex, Drugs, and Violence on Myspace

• More than half the adolescents discussed sexual behavior, drugs or violence or other highly risky activities using MySpace, the popular social networking website or other social networking site, according to research (Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine).

Teens are Obsessed with Sex, Drugs, and Violence on Myspace

• The study was to see how what these teens had on their myspace pages reflected who they were, and how much time they spent on the site.

• The twin studies were led by research fellow Megan A. Moreno and Dimitri Christakis, of the Centre for Child Health, Behavior and Development at Seattle Children’s Research Institute (SCRI) and the University of Washington (Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine).

Teens are Obsessed with Sex, Drugs, and Violence on Myspace

• 54 percent of the MySpace profiles contained high-risk behavior information, with 41 percent referencing substance abuse.

• 24 percent referencing sexual behavior and 14 percent referencing violence (Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine).

Teens are Obsessed with Sex, Drugs, and Violence on Myspace

• Profiles that demonstrated church or religious involvement were associated with decreased displays of risky behaviors, as were profiles that indicated engagement in sports or hobbies (Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine).

Teens are Obsessed with Sex, Drugs, and Violence on Myspace

• In the study, females were less likely to display violent information than males, and teens who reported a sexual orientation other than “straight” showed increased displays of references to sexual behaviors (Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine).

Teens are Obsessed with Sex, Drugs, and Violence on Myspace

• In the 90s we talked about a digital divide that separated rich from poor. That divide is quickly narrowing, but a new one is emerging rapidly: the 21st century digital divide separates too many clueless parents from their Internet-savvy children (Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine).

Teens are Obsessed with Sex, Drugs, and Violence on Myspace

• Does this mean that those teenagers who spent more time online, and less doing other extracurricular activities were more likely to see negative side effects from their online involvement?

YES! • The more time spent

on the Internet, the more comfortable people feel with their new “friends” and the more obsessed they become

Steps toward more personal online relationships

• In an article John Suler claims there to be steps, technologically speaking toward more intimate relationships.

1. Message boards, special interest group sites, social networking personal pages he refers to this as “one to many”, or Many readers to the one creator.

2. Then onto more private/personal means such as instant messaging, and private emails.

***He has also included some pros and cons to be shared on the next slide****

(Suler, 2000)

Some pros and cons to relational development online

Pros• Convenience• A feeling of “meeting

of the minds”• Time to think out

and carefully draft your thoughts to the other person.

Cons• Elimination of face-to-

face interaction• No voice to connect

with. • People who are very

verbal in person may not be online and vice versa.

(Suler, 2000)

A Case Study Online Communication and Relationships Con’t

• This study examined how development of an interpersonal relationship is impacted by the use of Instant messaging on adolescents.

• The results concluded a positive and significant influence of forming and maintaining individual friendships and interpersonal relationships as related to instant messaging

(Lee, Yueh-Chiang, Sun, Ya Chung, 2009)

Personal Thoughts on Internet Communication & Relationships

• Right now isn’t going to be the same as three years from now just as three years before is much different than now, when in comes to internet communication. With the development of social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace have come new opportunities with communication and networking. Even the addition of webcams eliminate a certain mechanical aspect of meeting someone online, because to a certain extent you can still achieve that face to face.

***Simply some food for thought***

Bibliography • Baym, Nancy. "Social Interactions Across Media Interpersonal

Communication on the Internet, Telephone and Face-to-Face." New Media & Society. 2004. University of Kansas, Web. 14 Oct 2009. <http://nms.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/6/3/299>.

• "Teens Obsessed with Sex, Drugs, and Violence on Myspace." ThaiIndian News. 06 Jan 2009. Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, Web. 14 Oct 2009. <http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/sci-tech/teens-obsessed-with-sex-drugs-and-violence-on-myspace_100138831.html#ixzz0Ty5rFqKj>.

• Suler, J. (2000). Hypotheses about Online Text Relationships . In The Psychology of Cyber Space. Retrieved October, 2009, from http://www-usr.rider.edu/~suler/psycyber/textrel.html

Bibliography • Janusik, L., & Wolvin, A. (2009). 24 Hours in a Day: A Listening Update to

the Time Studies. International Journal of Listening, 23(2), 104-120. http://search.ebscohost.com, doi:10.1080/10904010903014442

• Wahl, S., McBride, M., & Schrodt, P. (2005). Becoming "Point and Click" Parents: A Case Study of Communication and Online Adoption. Journal of Family Communication, 5(4), 279-294. http://search.ebscohost.com

• Subrahmanyam, K., & Lin, G. (2007). ADOLESCENTS ON THE NET: INTERNET USE AND WELL-BEING. Adolescence, 42(168), 659-677. http://search.ebscohost.com.prxy3.ursus.maine.edu

• Pictures from Clip art

• Shedletsky, J. L. & Aitken, E. J. (2004). Communication on the internet. Pearson Education, Inc.

Bibliography • Goldsborough, R. (2006). Anonymity vs. Security, Online. Community

College Week, 19(1), 22. http://search.ebscohost.com.prxy3.ursus.maine.edu

• Suler, J. (2004). The Online Disinhibition Effect. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 7(3), 321-326. http://search.ebscohost.com.prxy3.ursus.maine.edu, doi:10.1089/1094931041291295

• McDaniel, Anita K. (2005) Looking at email:: A method for teaching interpersonal communication theories and principles to undergraduate students. Electronic Journal of Communication, (15, 3/4.)

Bibliography• Morio, Hiroaki and Buchholz, Christopher. (2009) How anonymous are you

online? Examining online social behaviors from a cross-cultural perspective. AI & Society, (23, 2) 297-307.

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Bibliography

• Lee, Y., & Sun, Y. (2009). USING INSTANT MESSAGING TO ENHANCE THE INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS OF TAIWANESE ADOLESCENTS: EVIDENCE FROM QUANTILE REGRESSION ANALYSIS. Adolescence, 44(173), 199-208.

• Suler, J. (2000). Hypotheses about Online Text Relationships . In The Psychology of Cyber Space. Retrieved October, 2009, from http://www-usr.rider.edu/~suler/psycyber/textrel.html