Computer-mediated Communication
You and I... well we might not be the same. We might dress differently, we might speak differently, we might have been born and live in completely different places. With all these differences, how do we even communicate? Where do we even start? Can I suggest computer-mediated communication! Good or bad, computer-mediated communication works. I can talk to you, I can talk to my family in Mexico, and even meet someone who lives across the world in Japan, all from the comfort of my screen.
WHAT IS COMPUTER-MEDIATED COMMUNICATION?
Let us investigate the first question, what is computer-mediated communication? Computer-mediated communication is any type of communication facilitated through a computer (remember our phones are made up of tiny computers so they count as well). Just today, I have used my phone text messages to message my church group, Facebook messenger on my tablet to message my friends, and my laptop to access an online school portal to communicate with my classmates.
COMMUNICATION ON THE DAILY
Different media tools are solely used to communicate. I used these tools to send a message, they received the message and even replied, but did it enhance my relationships? During these isolated pandemic times using computer-mediated communication has been a lifesaver. It has been the only tool that I could use to feel like part of a group, part of the community. The woman in my church group shares their lives, their troubles, their encouragement, and their love for me. It may not be in person, but I feel like I am a part of something greater, and it can be transferred to face-to-face when the time is right. Facebook messenger allows me to stay in touch with people far away. My family in Mexico is getting to know me, and I can continue my friendships. These conversations are a bit different; they feel superficial. The connection is not there, and the conversations do not go beyond “hi how are you.” There are always two sides to a coin. One side is engaging communication while the other is superficial communication.
PRIVACY
Privacy, in a world where everyone posts everything online can be hard to come by. Auxier, Rainie, Anderson, Perrin, Kumar, and Turner (2019) tell us that “72% of Americans report feeling that all, almost all or most of what they do online or while using their cellphone is being tracked by advertisers, technology firms or other companies”. Companies use our communication data because we allowed it to happen. When we select ACCEPT on our usage terms of the agreement, we give companies the right to use our data.
POSITIVE ASPECTS
Do not despair, computer-mediated communication is not all bad. There are many positive aspects of computer-mediated communication such as support communities. No matter what your ailment, your interests, your age, or your needs there is a support group online that you can keep in constant touch with! Some of the more socially awkward kids have meaningful connections and feel belonging in ways that they often struggle with in-person (Smart Social, 2020). Online groups can communicate in a lot of ways. Groups can meet on video, audio-only, or asynchronously (White, 2020).
MY TAKE ON COMPUTER-MEDIATED COMMUNICATION
Some say that computer-mediated communication is destroying the way we communicate, others are saying that it gives us opportunities to communicate in a way we could not before. Here is what I think about it. Life is about moderation. Anything taken in excess will have negative effects. The same concept applies to computer-mediated communication, if it is the only way you communicate it will have negative effects. On the other hand, if you use it in combination with other forms of communication it could have great positive effects. Nothing in excess is good!
References
Auxier, B., Rainie, L., Anderson, M., Perrin, A., Kumar, M., Turner, E. (2020). Americans and Privacy: Concerned, Confused and Feeling Lack of Control Over Their Personal Information. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2019/11/15/americans-and-privacy-concerned-confused-and-feeling-lack-of-control-over-their-personal-information/
[Image of woman and man communicating, online image]. It’s Owl Words. https://itsowlwords.wordpress.com/2018/04/11/our-group-experience-engage-in-cmc/
Smart Social. (2020). 22 Examples of the Positive Impact of Social Media. Retrieved from https://smartsocial.com/positive-impact-of-social-media/
White, A. (2020). What type of online group is right for you. Retrieved from https://allenwhite.org/2020/07/21/what-type-of-online-group-is-right-for-you/
