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It's nice to read about these, I think, more healthy uses of the internet. But I am still wondering what's happening in terms of the larger society? What would make a person become totally dependent on the internet as a means of social interaction?
Well as you know you get three things in face to face interaction that you don't get through chatting over the internet.
1. The tone of the people talking.
2. Facial expressions.
3. Body language
If these are unfavorable towards people it will discourage them from being social. All there is to chatting over the internet is words and smileys.
Also during face to face interaction, people have a tendency to stick their foot in there mouth because they have to respond to the other person right away. On the internet, you don't have to reply until you know the right thing to say.
Think about a time when you told somebody something you wish you can take back.
I think so as well. I understand the importance of quick communication, but I also think it has its downsides (like the fact that spellcheck is turning me into an idiot ).
In my opinion, it's creating an "instant response" mentality - where people get mad if you take a few minutes or even hours to respond back.
I also think that it makes people expect to be able to reach you at all times of the day or night. What if I don't want to be disturbed at that point in time, or *GASP* - I might be actually interacting with people IN PERSON?
I think it is making us socially awkward and rude as well. It amazes me when I'm interacting with someone in person, and they'd rather text/IM/Facebook/tweet someone else, and don't understand WHY this kind of behavior is rude.
Last edited by grneyedmustang; 08-08-2011 at 02:00 PM..
I am not sure about all this internet communication, it is like wearing a mask that we can hide behind. Social skills in general seem to be affected by communicating via the net.
To me, there are too many people who post on this type of forum who are just plain rude, confrontational and generally ill mannered. They get away with it because they do do not have to actually look the other person in the eye, if they did, they probably would run with their tail between their legs, as in truth, they are either cowards or bullys.
I post here because I like the variety of topics and have conversed with many fine people. I have learned to stay away from certain posts and posters as I know it will be a lose, lose situation.
I think so as well. I understand the importance of quick communication, but I also think it has its downsides (like the fact that spellcheck is turning me into an idiot ).
In my opinion, it's creating an "instant response" mentality - where people get mad if you take a few minutes or even hours to respond back.
I also think that it makes people expect to be able to reach you at all times of the day or night. What if I don't want to be disturbed at that point in time, or *GASP* - I might be actually interacting with people IN PERSON?
I think it is making us socially awkward and rude as well. It amazes me when I'm interacting with someone in person, and they'd rather text/IM/Facebook/tweet someone else, and don't understand WHY this kind of behavior is rude.
I agree totally with what you had written. This immediacy is becoming problematic and is being carried over into other areas.
My time is my time...and if I don't want to answer or I went somewhere and PURPOSELY left my phone at home, people get upset (due to your first observation!) My life does NOT revolve around my phone or my computer.
And the third comment 100x yes! These people are NOT living in the moment....and they are losing out on so much. NOTHING should be as important as the person you are with (unless you are expecting a call that is an emergecy or for a job!!!), and when people do this, the other person is being relegated to a nonentity. And I do tell people this as well as my students, and we do talk about it as this type of ettiquette needs to be taught as well.
I do see it happening, people texting or facebooking rather than visiting their friends and loved ones. I also see people playing volleyball on Wii rather than in real life. So maybe so.
When people rely on the internet too much it enables them to be passive aggressive.
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