The Interpretation and Perception of Internet Communication
The communication path we as a culture and society have evolved into has led us to a new method of speaking to one another. The introduction of online interaction has changed the way we speak, interpret and understand people as a whole. Online messaging methods such as E-mail, AOL Instant Messenger, and ICQ are just a few utilities that will allow us to talk electronically. What really needs to be questioned is if the Internet is the best form of communication.Electronic communication, also known as computer-mediated communication (CMC), is not only amazingly convenient but something you can receive immediate gratification from. Despite the convenience, there are many features that are lost in the transfer of messages. Nonverbal communication is the key component that is filtered through the wires when speaking electronically. The majority of the communication you do when speaking to someone in front of you, is nonverbal. Actually, approximately fifty five percent of the interaction you have with one another is in fact, nonverbal.(Fletcher) When you speak to someone verbally you might send a whole array of nonverbal actions that helps the opposite party to decode your message appropriately. Non-verbal communication is d
On the opposite note, there is a more upsetting effect of false fronts if used in the wrong way. By now, living in this day and age most of us have heard of children being taken advantage of over the internet. Because it is so easy for one to hide behind a false front, it doesn't stop someone with a "shady" personality to do the same. This is why children and young adults are so vulnerable to this type of character. The combination of children believing everything they hear and the savvy word choices by the criminal on the other end to entice them is a dangerous combination for the safety of our loved ones. It is not only sex offenders who entice children, but also thieves as well. There are scoundrels on the internet whose business operation and code of ethics make your local discounted used car dealership look like a respectable business. There are different way ways nonverbal communication can be expressed in online talking. For example, an extended delay between responses can signify that the person you're talking to is either busy, talking to multiple people, uninterested in talking to you, or simply might be slow at typing. On the other hand, quick responses may indicate that your chat partner is interested in what you have to say, thinks the conversation is important, or maybe is just excited. By now, we all have our own ideas about the Internet and if it is a good method of communication. There are some who focus primarily on the negatives and refuse to look at the positives, like the ones that affected me with my communication skills. Then there are others like myself, who think it is the surging wave of the future in terms of new and evolutionary ideas and will continue to be beneficial to all. It is very necessary to mention what is lost in computer-mediated communication. The absence of tones from voices, facial expressions, eye contact, etc can create a more difficult time for your recipient to understand what you are trying to say. For example, sarcasm can be easily misinterpreted without any facial expressions or tones of voice. A phrase such as "If I throw a stick, will you leave" might be taken negatively when speaking to someone online without the sarcastic tone of voice you would normally say it in. Avid inte
Some common words found in the essay are:
Goffman Fronts, AIM ICQ, Wassup Reed, Messenger ICQ, Seiler G-6, Electronic Communication, , W|-|4t D1D, nonverbal communication, Reed Converted, false front, messages nonverbal communication, 1337 speak, electronic communication, computer-mediated communication, online talking, chat partner, messages nonverbal, hidden messages, facial expressions,
Approximate Word count = 1526
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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